FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that Lionel Messi wants to return to Spain next summer ahead of his contract expiration at Paris Saint-Germain.
- Laporta claims he has spoken with Messi
- President says forward only wants Barca return
- Club still need to make major wage cuts
What is the news?
Rumors of Lionel Messi’s possible return to Barcelona have been circulating for some time and now Laporta has said he has recently spoken with the Argentinian about a return. The club president also said that he is convinced that Messi will succeed in bringing Paris Saint-Germain back to Camp Nou after two seasons.
What did Laporta say?
Talking to a television reporter on Sunday, Laporta said about Messi: “I’ve spoken with Leo, it was very nice,” the club president said. “We have recovered the relationship. Messi wants Barça, he feels this club is his home.”
Messi has also been linked with Al-Hilal, who would be prepared to offer a smashing 400 million euros per year. On the Saudi Arabian rumours, Laporta said: “Barça is Barça. In Saudi Arabia, they are doing a good job, investing, but I insist: Barça is his home.”
What next?
If Barcelona want to re-sign Messi this summer the club will have to make some major cuts in their wage structure. One thing that will help the club towards Messi is the departure of Sergio Busquets. The veteran midfielder has decided to leave the club on a free transfer and is set to complete a move to either the United States or Saudi Arabia.
