As his contract at PSG winds down, Lionel Messi continues to be linked with an emotional return to FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had to leave the club in 2021 as the Catalans could not renew his contract due to poor financial conditions.
Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG, which will expire this summer. Talks over an extension by another year were held, but things have not gone according to plans on that front.
On top of that, PSG’s poor performances in Europe and the way the fans have been treating Messi, whistling and jeering at him, has only served to place him closer to the exit doors.
Last month, Barcelona president Joan Laporta had met with Messi’s father/agent, Jorge. However, it has been reported that there were no discussions held over a possible return at the time.
But according to a fresh update from Sique Rodriguez, Messi has learnt through third parties that Barcelona are very much interested in his return and will table an offer to re-sign him.
As a result, the 35-year-old Argentine captain is waiting on the club to make their first move.
In the meantime, Barcelona have been crunching numbers and working out formulas to try and make Messi’s return happen.
Given their situation regarding Fair Play, a lot will hinge on how they manage to reduce their wage budget and whether La Liga are happy with the club’s economic viability plans so that they can green-light the operation for Messi.
Several players and manager Xavi himself have openly spoken about the Argentina captain’s return to Barcelona. President Joan Laporta has also hinted at the possibility of such an operation.
However, it is being claimed that Barcelona will press ahead with a formal offer only after they are certain that Messi can be re-signed and registered without any problems.
So, a lot will hinge on the club’s reduction of the wage bill as well as La Liga and if there is any relaxation on their FFP rules.
