Lionel Messi’s future has been a hot topic of conversation ever since his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season. According to sources, Leo Messi is at the center of a tug of war between his former club Barcelona and Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal. While Al Hilal has reportedly offered Messi a contract worth €400m-a-year, Barcelona remains confident of bringing back their star player to Catalonia.
Barcelona and Leo
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly confident that the club will be able to balance the financial books and make space for Messi on their wage bill. Despite not being able to match the financial package offered by Al Hilal, Barcelona are confident . In a bid to free up space on the wage bill, FC Barcelona is prepared to listen to offers for wingers Ansu Fati, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Furthermore, veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets has confirmed he will leave Camp Nou at the end of the season. Busquets was one of Barcelona’s highest earners, and his departure is seen as a positive sign in terms of making Messi’s return possible.
According to sources, Barcelona is “hugely confident” that they will be in a position to announce Messi’s return soon. However, they still have to “walk many meters” before they get the green light to sign Messi. La Liga’s financial control remains a significant hurdle for the club.
Recently even La Liga President Commented about Messi’s Return:
“Busquets’s departure is the beginning of the road for Messi to return. But to reach the end, they still have to walk many meters. I’m not the one to give them the green light, it will be their economic control.”
Javier Tebas
Leo Messi and AL Hilal
Meanwhile, Al Hilal remains confident that they can persuade Messi to move to Saudi Arabia. The Argentine recently made an unauthorised trip to the country as he is an ambassador for the tourism board. Messi’s representatives, including his father, Jorge, have received a lucrative contract offer from Al Hilal.
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The return of Messi to Barcelona would be a huge boost for the club. Especially after a couple of tumultuous seasons in europe. Fans of the club would be eagerly anticipating the final decision on Messi’s future, as he remains one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Reports suggest that other clubs, including Manchester City, are also monitoring the situation closely. With players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva potentially available this summer on a free transfer. However, it seems that Messi’s heart remains in Catalonia, and the club is doing everything possible to make his return a reality.