Lionel Messi is expected to leave Paris Saint Germain in the following days. But his exit comes at a time when the futures of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at the French club is also in doubt.
According to Mirror Football, the club is no longer prioritizing a new contract for Messi. Barcelona will make an effort to recruit the Argentine superstar this summer, but the Catalan club’s well-documented financial problems, along with Messi’s desire to remain in Europe, may result in discussions with PSG being reopened in the summer.
PSG’s president Nasser Al Khelaifi is determined that the club’s strategy be refocused to prioritize recruiting the most talented French footballers and put more emphasis on playing youth trained by the club, which is establishing a new cutting-edge academy this year.
The club recruited Frenchman Christophe Galtier to replace Mauricio Pochettino a year ago, and the eldest of their six summer recruits was 26-year-old Fabian Ruiz. There were also several player exits as the first-team squad was reduced.
Many of those exits were on loan, with the club open to hearing proposals for permanent agreements this summer for players who are still under contract.
Mbappe and Neymar future on stake
Mbappe’s contract was renewed for two years, with the possibility to extend for an additional year until 2025. PSG was adamant that the Parisian would be the symbol of their future – a local star who would be an ambassador for the club.
Mbappe is said to be irritated by the possible departures of Messi and other players. PSG will sell a lot of their players owing to their possibility of facing UEFA sanctions unless they cut back on wages.
Mbappe had previously rejected Real Madrid to stay at PSG. But there is a possibility that he could try to join the Los Blancos again. If more disappointments occur in the Champions League and if Lionel Messi, someone who has created an amazing partnership with him on the pitch leaves, then the Frenchman could also be on his way out.
This summer, Neymar’s future may become more significant as the 31-year-old has had another season plagued by injury. He is one of the club’s highest earners and has a high profile. He is still the most expensive player in the world after joining Barcelona for £198 million in 2017.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly spoke to PSG about Neymar earlier this year to inquire about his availability, and that eagerness may be reignited this summer.
Another Premier League team is said to be also interested in the Brazilian. But there may not be many choices for the former Barcelona star to go this summer. He’s at the point in his career where the chance for another big-money move may be his last.
Messi leaving PSG could also be another reason for Neymar to finally leave the club. The pair are the best of friends and Messi’s departure could convince him to move on.
Is Lionel Messi really coming back to Barca?
Messi, left Barcelona as the team’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearances leader in 2021 while under Laporta’s watch. He will become a free agent on June 30 and will be able to leave Paris Saint-Germain without any restrictions.
Messi has decided to quit PSG this summer, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via PSG Talk). According to reports, Messi and his family have decided to leave the French city. They are unlikely to change their views. Their preferred club is thought to be Barcelona and the player himself decided it after Barcelona contacted him.
Barcelona is now prepared to implement a squad-wide salary cut to permit the return of their great. The reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed that the Catalan giants are prepared to make compromises. This is in order to bring their best player back to Camp Nou. Barcelona is rumored to be ready to offer a deal directly to Messi’s camp in the following days.
