Bartomeu Talks Messi Contract Renewal, Marco Verratti

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 07: Josep Maria Bartomeu, President of FC Barcelona, gifts a personalized team jersey to Jordi Getman-Eraso, President of Penya FC Barcelona New York City at Smithfield Hall on September 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for FC Barcelona)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 07: Josep Maria Bartomeu, President of FC Barcelona, gifts a personalized team jersey to Jordi Getman-Eraso, President of Penya FC Barcelona New York City at Smithfield Hall on September 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for FC Barcelona)

Josep Maria Bartomeu, the President of FC Barcelona, didn’t hesitate to answer question about Lionel Messi’s contract and the ongoing pursuit of Marco Verratti.

Barcelona hasn’t seen much movement to start this transfer window. The biggest news to date is a departure: Jeremy Mathieu leaving the club for Portuguese club Sporting CP. President Josep Maria Bartomeu is under pressure to make the most out of this window. A great place to start is with the contract renewal of Lionel Messi. Messi is now under contract through 2021. In addition to that, PSG midfielder Marco Verratti has been linked to the team through transfer rumors.

The President was asked by SPORT about Verratti and the latest on his situation. In addition, there were a few mentions of the contract renewal process for Messi. With that contract done, the MSN trident’s contracts all expire in the same season. However, Barca fans can certainly be happy that they get to see their stars for a few more years. Of course, the fans always want more hence why they are clamoring for Verratti.

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"It was expected news. An era began in football in 2008 when Pep Guardiola took charge and it will continue. It’s an era of success, with Messi as the leader and with us for another four years we remain optimistic.Bartomeu On Messi’s Contract Renewal"

A major question that continues to be asked is if Barca will make a big signing by August 31st (the end of the transfer window). Bartomeu hasn’t made any guarantees when it comes to that question. According to him, “PSG do not want to negotiate” anything with their star midfielder Verratti. However, overtime feelings can change with the player and his agent. As of now, there isn’t anything happening soon.

"Verratti is a player we like. Robert [Fernandez] wants him to come, as do [Ernesto] Valverde and Pep] Segura. And we know that the player wants to come to Barca. The problem is that PSG have now told us they don’t want to negotiate. The fact there is no release clause is a problem because you can’t go there and sign a player.Bartomeu On If Signing Verratti Is Impossible"

Next: Will Valverde Achieve Success In His First Season?

Overall, Barcelona has many things that they have to prepare for. Ernesto Valverde is about to begin his first season as the manager of the team. As of right now, the team is the same as it was last season albeit without Mathieu. The team has to do big things in this window pertaining to the midfield and defense. The preseason begins soon, so the team has to be ready to bounce back from a tough 2017.