Connect with us

Barcelona

Javier Tebas opens up on Lionel Messi possible Barca return

Javier Tebas opens up on Lionel Messi possible Barca return

La Liga president Javier Tebas has analysed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The World Cup winner is set to leave the French champions when his contract at Parc des Princes expires at the end of the season.

Barca have been at the forefront of the race for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, but their economic situation could scupper whatever plans they had for his return.

The Catalan giants are exploring every viable means to ensure the Argentina international returns to the club two years after his unceremonious departure in 2021.

However, Messi’s potential return to Spotify Camp Nou will constitute Barca’s biggest summer transfer, and Tebas has thrown further doubt on the possibility of the deal.

“I would particularly like Messi to come back,” Tebas said (via Gianluca Di Marzio). “What is clear is that there is economic control, and to hire players, you have to respect it.

“On the one hand, you can engage if there is a balanced budget, and for this reason, Barcelona must make an effort to contain costs, which is very high. 

“On the other hand, there is the 40% rule – they have to adapt to that.”


Tebas’ declaration comes after reports emerged that Barca could miss out on re-signing Messi over a financial fair play deadlock with La Liga.

The club’s well-documented economic situation had forced the Blaugranas chiefs Joan Laporta and Mateo Alemany to appeal to La Liga hoping to relax restrictions on their spending power.

However, they will reportedly have to find a way to balance the books, including through player sales, after their appeal to the Spanish football governing body fell on deaf ears.

Newcastle United have emerged as an unlikely destination for Messi, with the Saudi-backed Magpies plotting an audacious move for the Argentine superstar.

More in Barcelona