Lionel Messi has told Barcelona to sell off as many as three players if they want to sign Neymar, whose signing has already been approved by the Argentine.
Barcelona are planning to have a massive summer and follow up on the signing of Frenkie de Jong and Luis Neto by orchestrating bumper deals for Antoine Griezmann and Neymar. The Atletico Madrid star’s departure seems imminent now that Joao Felix has taken the number 7 shirt at the Wanda, but Neymar’s operation will definitely be difficult.
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The Catalans were initially planning to offer 120 million euros and Philippe Coutinho to Paris Saint-Germain in order to bring in Neymar, but Lionel Messi has come up with another alternative that the club will consider, as per Diario GOL. Along with Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti would also be involved in the deal with a mere 50 million euros of cash.
Paris Saint-Germain will almost certainly turn the deal down because Samuel Umtiti is clearly not worth 70 million euros. Else, the French champions may ask for a greater amount of cash. Nevertheless, Barcelona must consider keeping a hold of the former Lyon defender given that they are nowhere close to signing Matthijs de Ligt now and don’t have enough centre backs.
Coutinho meanwhile has reportedly also said yes to a Paris Saint-Germain. In a league of much lesser focus and difficulty than La Liga, the Brazil international could end up finding his boots and ultimately perform well. Moreover, settling into Barcelona was also something that did not go the player’s way so his inclusion in the Neymar deal makes solid sense and is justified.
Messi meanwhile also wants Ivan Rakitic to be sold while Atletico Madrid are ready to pay 50 million euros. The Croat is ageing and with Barcelona having Arthur Melo and Frenkie de Jong in their squad, Rakitic could struggle for game time if the Catalans vest trust in their youngsters. Rakitic is even ready to leave if he is not wanted at the club by Messi, who has a big say in things.
Do you see Coutinho, Rakitic and Umtiti at the Camp Nou in the upcoming season?