Barcelona have made a bright start to the summer window this year by signing Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay. However, the club’s current priority is to renew Lionel Messi’s contract who has officially become a free agent now.
Numerous sources close to the club and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano understand that the club and the Argentine ace are very close to reaching an agreement and that an official announcement can be expected in the coming days. Messi is said to have taken a pay cut to help the club in its difficult financial crisis.
Barca have reportedly offered the 34-year-old a two-year contract with the option of a third-year at Camp Nou. Post the conclusion of his playing career for Barcelona, the player would then move to the United States as a brand ambassador of Barcelona and play in the MLS, which is said to be one of his dreams.
“We want Lionel Messi to stay and Leo wants to stay. Everything is on track – we have the issue of Financial Fair Play, we are in the process of finding the best solution for both parties”.
the president said, speaking to El Transistor,
Romano confirmed the positive talks between the club and Messi’s agent and father Jorge Messi:
While it is clear that Messi is extremely close to prolonging his stay at Barcelona, new reports coming in have claimed that Paris Saint-Germain have made a last-ditch effort to sign Lionel Messi as they look to push for the UEFA Champions League title next season.
The Parisians have already lured Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Georginio Wijnaldum with their financial might and have completed the signing of Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi for a reported fee of around £71 million.
Messi has been linked with a move to PSG since last summer when he announced his desire to leave Barcelona. Back then, Manchester City and the Parisians were said to be the frontrunners in the race to sign the 34-year-old but the Argentine was forced to stay at the club by former Barcelona president Joseph Maria Bartomeu.
Since then, the rumours have only intensified, and with the deal not yet finalized, PSG have made their attempt to lure Messi to Paris. At Parc de Princes, Messi will have the opportunity to play alongside his close friend and former teammate in Neymar while also feeling at home because of the Argentine contingent.
Angel Di Maria, Leonardo Paredes, and Mauro Icardi could make Messi feel at home should he decide to move to one of the most lucrative cities and clubs on the planet. Moreover, the club is being coached by former Argentina player Mauricio Pochettino.
