PSG line up ‘number 1 target’ to replace Lionel Messi

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 15 May 2023 22:01 BST
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a move for Bernando Silva, who they see as a replacement for Lionel Messi.

The Ligue 1 outfit believes that the Manchester City attacker could come in should Messi not sign a new contract ahead of his current one ending next month.

Le Parisien report that Silva is the ‘number one’ choice to replace the superstar ahead of the summer transfer window. Barcelona are aiming to secure the signature of Messi in June and it is thought that the superstar wants to make a return to the Nou Camp.

READ MORE: REVEALED: How PSG plan to get rid of Neymar

The only sticking point will be the wage and if the Blaugrana will be able to afford him - the club’s financial position means that they need to offload a number of players before making any move for Messi, with La Liga clamping down on their transfer activity.

The Catalan club need to reduce their salary outgoings of €600million to €400m before they can hand out any fresh deals or bring anyone to the club.

PSG make plans for life after Messi

It is thought that PSG are monitoring the situation of Tottenham striker Harry Kane as well as Victor Osimhen of Napoli, both players who are also being looked at by Manchester United.

It’s looking more and more like Messi will leave the side, following the news that he took an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Messi was reprimanded by PSG and he later issued an apology video to social media.

But that did not save him from getting booed by the club’s fanbase upon his return to selection for their 5-0 victory over Ajaccio this weekend Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal reportedly have an offer on the table, but the player will weigh up his decision at the end of the season.