Pochettino discusses potential PSG swoops for Messi and Ramos

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Mauricio Pochettino has played it cool when asked about a potential Lionel Messi transfer from Barcelona to PSG.

The Argentine is reportedly unhappy at the Camp Nou, and requested to leave the club in the summer only to agree to stay after the Blaugrana hierarchy refused his desire to exit on a free transfer.

As of 1 January, he is available to talk to other clubs about a potential free transfer this summer, and PSG have emerged as the front runners for his signature, with FootballTransfers exclusively revealing that the Ligue 1 champions had told merchandise vendors within Paris to prepare for Messi’s arrival.

Pochettino, who recently replaced Thomas Tuchel as head coach of PSG, was asked about the potential arrival of Messi, but he didn’t give much away.

“Whatever I say will be misunderstood, and I love what I have. Great footballers fit in any league and any team.” he told Spanish outlet Sport.

Another free agent that PSG have been linked with this summer is Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who is yet to put pen to paper on an extended deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, fuelling speculation he could leave.

Pochettino was more open when talking about a move for Ramos than Messi, saying:

“After one month [at PSG] I am finding players with great leadership. The great [players] are able to play and coexist in different projects and cultures, but I am very respectful,” said Pochettino.

“PSG’s strategy has been the same for years, ever since we signed Ronaldinho: to look at market opportunities and bring in those who can improve what we have. We will see in the coming months.

“Here, Ramos would find a great club with the obsession to always win. PSG are one of the biggest [clubs] in the world.”

PSG are top of Ligue 1 in 2020/21, but face stiff competition from Lille, whom they are only ahead of on goal difference.