Heading into July, heavy news from the soccer world came in the form of legendary player
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Officially stepping into the ranks of a free agent, this marks the first free-agency stint of the Ballon d'Or winner's career. However, Messi, who is known to be highly unlikely to extend his contract with Barcelona, does not seem to be in a hurry to move to Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain or Major League Soccer at this stage of his career, especially after his close friend Aguero was officially announced as a Barcelona signing.
According to foreign media 90min disclosed that in order to renew Messi's contract and bring in new recruits, Barcelona must sell some of its players, including Griezmann, Pjanic, Dembele and Coutinho and other eight players.
The move signals the completion of Barcelona's team rebuild this summer, with the extension of the contract of the team's all-time number one Lionel Messi on the one hand, and the departure of some of the players on the other, including the underperforming Griezmann and Pjanic, as well as the injury-plagued and controversial off-the-field Dembele, and World Cup mainstay Umtiti, despite his overall lackluster performance for Barcelona.
A report on Goal.com suggests that Barcelona's players' salaries have grossly exceeded the La Liga salary cap and as a result they are currently unable to register new recruits, while Lionel Messi's contract renewal has hit a standstill. Previously, Barcelona has sent away players such as Filpo, Trincombe, De La Fuente and Todibo. Next, Barcelona management's top targets are Umtiti, Coutinho and Pjanic, who, unsurprisingly, will all leave Barcelona.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, French superstar Griezmann is highly likely to leave Barcelona this summer. A Premier League side is said to have expressed interest in Griezmann, and they will not only offer cash, but also include the player. With the right offer, Barcelona will consider letting the French superstar, who has never been able to find a proper place in the team, leave.
Currently, Barcelona's finances are not in the best of shape and arguably far beyond expectations. Clearing out some players, therefore, is an imminent task for them as well.
