Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona speculations have resurfaced, and this time, many sources out of Spain claim Messi has given his former club a 10-day ultimatum to prove if they can sign him this summer, citing concerns about Financial Fair Play standards. With top executives, including the president and head coach, Xavi, publicly stating their desire for Messi to return to Camp Nou, Barcelona has yet to receive approval from La Liga.
Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, and the World Cup winner for Argentina will hunt for a new club. While Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League has expressed strong interest in signing Messi, MLS team Inter Miami is also interested.
Having spent more than two decades with FC Barcelona, numerous people close to him believe Messi’s heart remains there, and as a result, he isn’t ruling out a return to Camp Nou for his final run. A lot needs to be done and taken care of in the interim for this to be fruitful.
Earlier, Barcelona President Joan Laporta claimed that the club had submitted a ‘viable plan’ to La Liga, which included selling a few players and a strategy for signing Messi this summer.
However, Messi giving Barcelona a ten-day deadline does not mean he will sign the documents and return to the club – it means Messi will have clarity on his decision before the new season begins.
How will Barcelona be able to sign Messi?
With the Spanish League requiring Barcelona to decrease spending by 200 million euros, the sale of veterans Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Gerard Pique last season helped them save about 100 million euros. Furthermore, because Camp Nou is being refurbished, the revenue will be reduced by $50 million despite playing in Montjuc.
It is also believed that LaLiga would ratify the proposal by next week, after which Barcelona can proceed with the anticipated sales and purchases. First, Barcelona wants to conclude contract extensions for a few players before focusing on getting the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back to where he belongs.
Another request from Lionel Messi’s camp is a reunion with the number 10 jersey, which now belongs to winger Ansu Fati.
While Fati might move the jersey number for Messi’s homecoming, sources close to the situation believe Barcelona should consider selling Fati to raise additional revenue.