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Barcelona 'open FFP talks with La Liga over Lionel Messi return'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 April 2023

Barcelona 'open FFP talks with La Liga over Messi return'

Barcelona are reportedly holding talks with La Liga regarding a potential amendment to their FFP situation in order to facilitate the return of Lionel Messi.

Barcelona are allegedly stepping up their efforts to secure a reunion with Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi.

In 2021, the Catalan giants were forced to wave goodbye to their greatest ever player courtesy of being unable to afford the Argentine's contract.

That led to Messi making the switch to Parc des Princes, where he has enjoyed mixed success on both a personal and team level.

While Messi's 15 goals and 14 assists in Ligue 1 have helped put PSG on the brink of another top-flight crown, the French giants have lost in the last 16 of the Champions League during the past two campaigns.

As a result, it has been suggested that cutbacks will have to be made during the summer in order to meet FFP criteria, something which could potentially have a knock-on effect with regards to Messi.

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Lens on April 15, 2023 © Reuters

Although PSG would ideally like to keep Messi for a third campaign, it appears increasingly likely that he will depart at the end of his two-year deal.

Despite interest from the MLS and Middle East, there has been talk regarding a possible return to Barcelona, providing that his former club can resolve their financial issues.

According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona are holding discussions with La Liga in an attempt to facilitate the return of the World Cup winner.

The report claims that Barcelona have requested more flexibility with their Financial Fair Play ratio in order to sign new players in the summer.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

Last month, La Liga president Javier Tebas indicated that Barcelona must first make £177m in cutbacks and player sales before they are able to add new players to their squad.

Such a situation has led to their failure to register a new contract with Gavi, while it has been alleged that Barcelona are prepared to only target free transfers.

The La Liga leaders will inevitably have to make a number of sales, and there is an expectation that contracts will have to be renegotiated with the current squad.

Should Messi ever return to Barcelona, he would have the chance to add to his record-breaking 672 goals from 778 appearances in all competitions.