Lionel Messi apparently wanted to know which players Barcelona intended to sign this summer before submitting the transfer request that football has disappeared.
The Barca icon met with the club’s new manager Ronald Koeman to seek assurances about his and the club’s plans ahead, with significant investments needed if the team wanted to return to challenge for the Champions League.
However, Cadena SER reports that Koeman could not respond to Messi, citing the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis on football as the reason why Barca will have to sell players this summer before they can bring in one.
Although the meeting is described as “a lot of mutual respect” between the couple, it clearly did not give Messi any reassurance as he submitted his request to leave days later.
(Image: Getty Images)
The same report mentions Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia as two players who want to buy Barca this summer, but other players must first be deducted from the salary bill.
New Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes spoke on Wednesday at the unveiling of youngster Francisco Trincao, insisting the club do everything in their power to place their captain.
“You have to have enormous respect for Leo because of who he is and because of his history. We are not thinking about a single contractual clause,” he said.
(Image: NurPhoto / PA Images)
“Messi’s marriage to Barca has given both parties a lot, a lot of fun to the fans and internally we are working to convince Messi, to find the best solution for Barca and for Messi.
“We make additions like Pedri and Trincao to create a winning and young team, all clubs are regenerated.
“There is no dispute between Messi and Barcelona, and he does not deserve it. We are working to create a winning Barca.”
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