After Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League exit, many at Barcelona believed that a reunion with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou this summer was more than likely, especially after PSG fans publicly wanting the Argentine’s departure.
The 2022 World Cup winner’s contract with the Parisian expires this June and while an extension for another year is in discussion, Barca are strongly considering the possibility of bringing their legend back home.
Messi’s return to Camp Nou is a real possibility as the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner can join any club he chooses in the summer as a free agent, but the Catalans will need to fit his hefty salary into their already high wage bill. La Liga chief Javier Tebas recently revealed that president Joan Laporta will need to raise £178 million with wage cuts and player sales before signing any reinforcements this summer. Laporta, however, remains optimistic about the summer transfer window and could potentially plan for Messi’s return.
Lionel Messi and Barcelona reunion dream hit with €220m Qatari offer
Unfortunately, Barcelona have been handed major blow in their Lionel Messi reunion dream after Qatari side Al-Hilal plan €220m/year offer for the superstar, according to Marca. This comes after Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent move to Al-Hilal’’s fierce rivals Al-Nassr who are reportedly paying the Portuguese international a whooping €200m/year, as per AFP.
Al-Hilal are planning to lure the Argentine from Paris with a similar contract to Ronaldo, but ideally making him the highest-earned footballer in the country. The Qatari side are currently serving a transfer ban but will be able to sign Messi in the summer with the government prepared to alter their salary cap regulations in order to facilitate the Argentine’s arrival.
Would you like to see Lionel Messi back at Camp Nou?