FC Barcelona is keen on a reunion with Lionel Messi, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June. Still, the financial aspect of football remains the elephant in the room.
Nonetheless, the Spanish club appears ready to offload one player to ensure that the signing of Messi and Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, a free agent in June, allows them to comply with any “fair play” rules.
AS reported on Tuesday that Franck Kessié is the player Barcelona wants to sell this summer to make way for the Messi and Gündoğan signings. The 26-year-old is under contract until 2026 and there will be a market for the midfielder.
Transfermarkt puts the Ivory Coast international’s value at €28 million. However, if the Catalan side can generate a bidding war for Kessié, they might receive more than that sum, especially if Premier League clubs are involved.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been vocal about bringing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner back to Camp Nou, but the finances are what could stop this dream from occurring. Nonetheless, if offloading players is their plan, the Argentine might return.
As for MLS side Inter Miami, this news will likely be a blow to their plans of possibly having Messi and means they might have to wait more time if they want the 35-year-old in South Florida.
