Barcelona to SELL wonderkid to finance Messi return

Robin Bairner

• 31 May 2023 09:11 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are ready to go all out to lure Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou when his contract at PSG expires at the end of June – even if it means sacrificing one of their most promising young players.

Messi is set to depart the Ligue 1 champions after two seasons at the club, with the Argentine scoring 32 goals for the Parc des Princes side – and retaining his status as the best finisher in Europe’s top five leagues.

The 35-year-old’s preference appears to be remaining in Europe, although there have been reports in Spain that his father, Jorge, who acts as his agent, wants Leo to take up the offer of a two-year deal from the Saudi Pro League that is reportedly worth up to €1 billion.

MORE: Lionel Messi one of Barcelona's THREE big summer priorities

There have also been mooted reports of interest from the Premier League, though there appears little concrete behind those at present.

Messi is eager to resolve his future and is reportedly unwilling to wait all summer for Barcelona to sort their finances, prompting the Catalan club to consider radical action.

MORE: Barcelona make a FORTUNE from Messi transfer

Messi in, Ansu out at Barca?

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs believes that Ansu Fati could be sold to finance a deal for Messi.

“Messi is waiting to see what is possible, but his camp are also putting pressure on Barcelona. Xavi is in constant contact with Messi as well. He believes a return is not just a sentimental move, but one that will help Barcelona challenge for the champions league next season,” he told Caught Offside.

“Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation. So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings. Ansu Fati could be one casualty even though he wants to stay at the club.”

Fati has attracted significant attention from the Premier League, with the 20-year-old Spain international linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal both linked with a move.