New information about Messi's return to Barcelona while PSG plans a new campaign without him
Reports from French news outlet Le Parisien suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is preparing for the new season without their star player Lionel Messi. According to the report, Messi’s father asked for a salary increase for the Argentine, citing his success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but PSG rejected the demands. The player’s environment suggests that Messi’s decision will not be motivated by money. PSG initially wanted to offer him the same terms as his current contract, but due to increased salary demands, his renewal has been put on hold for now.
Messi has made it clear that he will choose his next destination based on the sporting project offered. He is reportedly interested in learning about the Barcelona project and has been in touch with Xavi Hernandez and some of the first-team players. In a recent press conference, coach Xavi joked about Messi having dinner with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, but remained coy about links with Messi. Barcelona have reportedly prioritized Messi’s return for the coming summer, knowing the Argentine’s addition to the team can be the final piece in the jigsaw as the club looks to restore its lost glory in the coming years.
Despite all the positives, Barcelona still has a long way to go before they can facilitate the return of Lionel Messi. The club is facing economic headwinds in light of the strict Financial Fair Play regulations put in place by La Liga. The league has already advised the club to reduce €200 million from their salary bill to avoid FFP sanctions. Finding suitors for every one of Barça’s unwanted stars could be a real challenge, especially considering the current state of the transfer market. Therefore, the club must rely on La Liga to provide the green light before they can pursue Messi.
Barcelona has sent its financial feasibility plan to La Liga earlier this month. Once the plan gets approved by La Liga, the club can carry forward their operation and put forth an official proposal on the table. However, the process might take time as La Liga looks to assign their financial auditors to verify the club’s feasibility plan. Even with the approval, the club must act on it efficiently if they are to succeed in the bid to sign the Argentine this coming summer.
It appears that everything is falling into place as Barcelona looks to seal the return of their prodigal son. The player himself has a positive outlook on the current team and has a good relationship with other stars such as Ousmane Dembele and Ronald Araujo. Messi has also reportedly enrolled his children in the same school they had studied in Barcelona, shortly after he withdrew enrollment from their school in Paris.
Meanwhile, a report from the Daily Mirror claims that PSG is ready to let go of Messi, as the club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi wants to make them more sustainable and reliant on young French talents. However, the final say in the transfer will come from La Liga. Despite the challenges, Barcelona is determined to bring back their star player and will do everything in their power to make it happen.
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