PSG star Lionel Messi likely to return to FC Barcelona this summer- Reports

Lionel Messi, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is expected to return to FC Barcelona in the summer. According to ESPN journalist Martin Arevalo, Messi is about to make a spectacular return to Camp Nou. The Argentine legend’s future has been heavily discussed, with his contract at PSG ending at the end of the season.

Barcelona has made their opinions about bringing back their former captain and great attacker clear. Messi’s homecoming has been hyped by the likes of President Joan Laporta, left-back Jordi Alba, and marketing vice president Juli Guiu.

However, Barca’s financial predicament is an obstacle to the potential transfer. According to reports, the Blaugrana have had talks with La Liga in order to gain more financial flexibility. La Liga president Javier Tebas has reminded Barcelona that it must cut its payroll cost by €200 million. Given Messi’s weekly salary of €780,000, the Argentine hero will need to take a considerable pay reduction to re-join the Blaugrana.

Tebas recently addressed the rumours surrounding Messi and Barcelona. He claimed that the Blaugrana could yet make a move this summer while praising the Argentine as the best player in the world.

Messi has been a standout for PSG this season, scoring 20 goals and providing 19 assists in 36 games across all competitions. During his 16 seasons at Camp Nou, he established himself as one of the best players in history. In 778 games, the Argentine superstar scored 672 goals and assisted 303 others.

FC Barcelona confident of signing Ilkay Gundogan

Football Espana reported Spanish rumours suggesting Barcelona is confident of not just re-signing Lionel Messi but also signing Ilkay Gundogan. The Manchester City midfielder, like the Argentine, will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Barcelona is likely to be on the market for a new midfielder, but due to financial constraints, may consider free-agent signings. They used the same tactic last summer, signing Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers.