30 May 2023 , 09:25
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Premier League clubs are now in the running to sign Lionel Messi with a decision still to be made over his future.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer with his contract set to expire at the Parc des Princes. Barcelona have been the most strongly linked with a move as they attempt to stage an emotional reunion.
Saudi clubs are also contenders with Messi already receiving a record-breaking contract offer to join his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf nation. However, a switch to the Premier League could also be an option this summer.
According to Spanish outlet Ole, clubs in the top-flight of English football have entered the race for Messi’s services. However, they might have a difficult task on their hands to convince him to make a move.
Messi has long underlined his desire to round off his career with the Catalan giants. Speaking of his admiration for the Premier League back in 2012, Messi admitted: "Like I always say, one doesn't know what can happen in the future but if it were up to me to decide, I would stay at Barcelona for the rest of my career."
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Messi left the Spanish giants in the summer of 2021 as the club’s desperate financial situation forced an exit. A return could still be on the cards but work certainly needs to be done to ensure that Barcelona can afford his wages, while a switch to the Premier League would always be secondary to a return to the Nou Camp.
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Boss Xavi has issued a plea to the club hierarchy to bring the Argentine back to the Camp Nou. As quoted by Sport, he said: "I'm in no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football.
"I am in no doubt and I've told this to the president. He continues to be a determined footballer, he has the hunger still. He's still a winner, he's a leader and he's different. At Barcelona, we've not have the same level since what we reached as a pinnacle in 2010.
"Messi brings you the talent of being able to play the final pass, he opens doors, scores goals. In the final third he can provide the difference. There's no doubt that he would still help us a lot - but in the end it all depends on him.”
Since his initial exit from Barcelona, Messi has endured mixed fortunes with PSG. He has won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles but has failed to inspire them to their first Champions League victory.
The forward was also suspended by the c.lub for an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, whilst fans have regularly protested against him.