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Ansu Fati could be major Barcelona casualty as Joan Laporta looks to find ways to make Messi deal work
Barcelona are desperate to bring Messi back but are yet to make a formal proposal. First, they must satisfy LaLiga. For once, Javier Tebas and Joan Laporta want the same thing: for Messi to return to Spain. But the financial rules are stringent and it’s going to be incredibly difficult for Barcelona to pull something off and fast.
Messi is waiting to see what is possible, but his camp are also putting pressure on Barcelona. Xavi is in constant contact with Messi as well. He believes a return is not just a sentimental move, but one that will help Barcelona challenge for the Champions League next season.
“If Messi were to return he’d help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football,” the Barca boss told SPORT. “I am in no doubt and I’ve told this to the president.”
Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation. So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings. Ansu Fati could be one casualty even though he wants to stay at the club.
It’s hard to see Barcelona completing anything in a matter of weeks, and that’s what gives Saudi Arabia confidence. A government-backed offer, supported by the Saudi Pro League, has been on the table since April.
Messi would earn around £320m-per-year, almost double Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary. Many of the same dealmakers that took Ronaldo to Al-Nassr are involved.
It’s important to note that this is a Saudi deal, and although Al-Hilal is the most likely destination, Messi could really have his pick of clubs. Al-Ittihad has also been discussed – and having just won the league,…
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