PSG superstar Lionel Messi sets transfer deadline amid rumors of Barcelona return: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly asked Barcelona to look at his financial situation and reveal whether or not they could sign him. The Argentine ace wants the blaugrana to reveal his findings before the end of the 2022-23 season.
According to the Spanish journalist Gerard Romero (via Fichajes.net), Lionel Messi does not want to be in limbo when the transfer window opens after the end of the 2022-23 season. He wants the La Liga leaders to give him a definitive answer at the end of the season so that he can make an informed decision about his future.
If Barcelona are unable to sign Lionel Messi, they are reportedly intent on compromising their future with PSG as they do not want to leave Europe. Messi wants to stay in Europe to be fit for the 2024 Copa América and determine if he could play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old is believed to wish to return to his boyhood club this summer. However, the operation is far from simple. The Catalans need to reduce their salary bill by a staggering 200 million euros in order to register new players.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Mateu Alemany are reportedly looking to sell minor players to pave the way for Messi’s arrival. The Catalan club are also eager to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, who is due to become a free agent this summer.
Barcelona could sell the best defender to pay Lionel Messi
According to the Catalan outlet El Nacional, Barcelona could sacrifice Andreas Christensen to increase their chances of signing Lionel Messi this summer. Christensen joined the club as a free agent following a five-year spell at Chelsea.
It has been claimed that the Camp Nou side see Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo as their first-choice centre-back pairing. So despite the Danish international’s impressive performances this term, Barca are prepared to part ways with him.
The 27-year-old, who has made 25 appearances this season, could reportedly sell for as much as €60m. The player still has more than three years (June 2026) left on his contract with Barça.
