Xavi tells 4 Barcelona stars to leave this summer amid Lionel Messi transfer plan
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly planning a squad clearout this summer to create financial room for the potential signing of Lionel Messi. It is widely expected that Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) when his contract expires at the end of the current season. Despite Barcelona's desire to bring back their former star, their financial constraints make the signing challenging.
Barcelona is facing ongoing financial difficulties and needs to reduce their salary outgoings from €600 million to €400 million for the next season in order to register new players and contracts. In an effort to achieve this, Xavi has scheduled meetings with four first-team players, indicating his intention to offload them. The club has already seen the retirement of Gerard Pique and the departure of club captain Sergio Busquets this summer, which has helped narrow the salary gap
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While Barcelona did make contact with Messi in April regarding a potential return, PSG's decision not to prioritize his contract renewal suggests the Argentine superstar is likely to leave the club. While there is an offer from Saudi Arabia on the table, Messi reportedly prefers to stay in European football.
In terms of incoming transfers, Barcelona has an agreement in place to sign Spanish defender Inigo Martinez, who will become a free agent in June after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires. The club is also hopeful of securing a deal for Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. The central midfielder is said to be content at City but open to a move to the LaLiga champions due to his own contractual uncertainty. Talks have been held between the parties involved.
The situation at Barcelona underscores the financial challenges they face in rebuilding their squad and potentially reacquiring Messi. Clearing out players and reducing salary expenditures is a necessary step before new signings and contracts can be registered. Xavi's meetings with the identified players indicate his determination to create the necessary financial space for the club's future endeavors.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of Messi's potential departure from PSG and the subsequent moves Barcelona will make to reshape their squad.
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