Headache for Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona as club have to choose between Leo Messi and Man City star.
The president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, wants to bring in another “superstar” name to his team for the upcoming season after securing a major deal in the form of Robert Lewandowski this past summer.
The head of the Catalan club spared no effort in bolstering his squad during the summer transfer window and is eager to do so again the following season. He believes that in order to take this Barça team to the next level, another star player must be added.
Additionally, PSG superstar Lionel Messi and Manchester City midfield ace Bernardo Silva are two names Barcelona is reportedly considering.
The Blaugrana can only sign one of the two superstars due to the club’s financial predicament, and even then, it won’t be simple. Laporta will therefore face a critical choice about whether he pursues Messi or Silva in the summer of 2023.
It is no secret that Barcelona wants to lure Messi back after handling his departure poorly last summer. Additionally, the likelihood of a reunion is greatly increased by the fact that he will be a free agent after the season because his contract with PSG has expired.
Recent rumors, however, have indicated that the former Barcelona captain might decide to join Inter Miami FC and transfer to the MLS. PSG is working hard to extend his stay at Parc des Princes by persuading him to sign a new deal.
In the previous two summer transfer windows, Silva, a Portuguese international, was mentioned in connection with a move to Spotify Camp Nou. This previous summer, a transfer appeared feasible, but Barça left it too late in the window to make an approach, thus the 28-year-old remained at Man City.
The former AS Monaco star is rumored to want to join Barcelona, and his agent Jorge Mendes is ready to help make it happen. A move would be challenging since the Blaugrana would have to agree to City’s high asking price, which might be close to €100 million.
However, Barcelona would need to cut its captains Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba’s exorbitant salaries before either of the signings would take place.
Due to Sergio Busquets’ contract ending, he will probably go, which will reduce the pay budget, but Alba and Pique will also need to be fired.
In addition, a significant sale will be necessary to raise money, with Frenkie de Jong once more being mentioned as a potential lamb sacrifice.
The club is hesitant to pursue this option, but Barça may need to rely on another economic lever in the shape of selling a portion of BLM (Barça Licensing and Merchandising).
