Barcelona’s plan to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou has suffered a major blow after two of their new summer signings rejected a pay cut.
Messi has been subject to constant transfer speculation back to Barcelona in recent months and the Blaugrana are already making a move to bring the Argentine magician back to the Camp Nou.
23:32 - 25.04.2023
Ancelotti gives verdict on possible Lionel Messi return to Barcelona
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has had his say on Lionel Messi potentially returning to Barcelona at the end of this season
Barcelona's first move was to try to reduce their wage bill in compliance with LaLiga's Fair Play rules. However, their bid to convince Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen to accept a pay cut salary was unsuccessful.
Barcelona keen on Messi’s return
Barcelona is preparing for Lionel Messi's prospective return to Spain and are eager to welcome the Argentine.
In order to complete Messi’s transfer, Barcelona must get beyond their financial problems and reduce their wage bill structure. As it stands, Messi's contract with PSG might not be renewed as he is expected to run down his contract that expires at the end of June.
12:21 - 25.04.2023
Lionel Messi fuels rumours of Barcelona return after dinner with ex-teammates
Lionel Messi has continued to fuel speculation regarding a return to Barcelona this summer after being pictured having dinner with his former teammates on Monday.
According to reports, Barcelona’s plan of bringing the 34-year-old back to Camp Nou has hit a brick wall as they tried to convince two of their new signings to accept a wage reduction which was not well received.
Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen feel that a salary reduction is unreasonable and that Barcelona must find other means to solve the issue. Both players joined on free transfers last summer after declining new contracts and offers from other teams.
Barcelona to meet Messi’s representatives for further talk
Barcelona and Messi's representatives are anticipated to continue their discussions in the upcoming weeks in an effort to iron out an easy way to get the deal over the line and also come to an understanding.
The French giants' position on Messi's future, according to reports, may enhance Barcelona’s pursuit, with PSG rumoured to be willing to let Messi leave the team when his contract expires.
19:24 - 24.04.2023
Atletico Madrid president speaks on possibility of Messi and Ronaldo return to Laliga
Enrique Cerezo, Atletico Madrid Chief has claimed that it would be fantastic to have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo return to LaLiga.
It is believed that club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi wants to focus on developing a more financially secure project that promotes new French talent rather than relying on a select group of great players.
Barcelona's move to get Messi has faltered. As it stands and the Blaugrana club needs to find a solution to its financial problems before they can sign the Argentine.