Lionel Messi’s contract is set to expire next year in June, however, Barcelona could renew terms with the player if they sign these three targets.
From January onwards, Lionel Messi will be legally permitted to discuss terms with any interested club and can even agree to sign a contract. To avoid this situation, Barcelona must build a winning project that would convince Leo Messi that his final few years of professional football at the top tier will not go in vain.
One of the many reasons why the 33-year-old wanted to leave the club last summer was due to the lack of ambition at the club under the former board. Messi believed that there was no plan or project in place to take the sporting institution forward and instead the club focused on personal business activites.
Which is why Leo Messi wanted to sign for Manchester City who has a plan in place to win the UEFA Champions League. However, with Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board of directors now gone, Messi could possibly renew provided that either Victor Font or Joan Laporta build him a winning project.
Here are three players that either Font or Laporta might want to sign next summer to improve the current squad.
The left-back
LAUTARO MARTINEZ
Lautaro Martinez shares a great relationship with Lionel Messi. The 33-year-old captain had earlier stated on an interview with Mundo Deportivo that the plausible signing of Martinez would be a massive step forward for the club given the player’s potential to grow into one of the world’s very best strikers. Luis Suarez himself stated that the Inter striker would be an ideal candidate to replace him at Barca.
However, the issue with Martinez is Ronald Koeman‘s preference for Memphis Depay. The Dutch manager wants Depay and seems like the former Manchester United forward will sign for the club this winter transfer window. Who would you want, Martinez or Depay?
The left-back
NICOLAS TAGLIAFICO
The Argentinian left-back has been a top priority at Barcelona for the past two seasons. Last summer, the 28-year-old was wanted by Manchester City, Chelsea and Barca, however, none of the deals went through and the Catalans instead purchased Sergino Dest from Ajax who can play on either flank.
Tagliafico and Messi share a strong bond on and off the field as both of them represent Argentina in the national team. The signing of the 28-year-old would certianly be immense and Tagliafico could also possibly replace Jordi Alba who has not been at his best for the past season or so. The Ajax star is in the prime of his career and this would be an ideal time for Barca to sign the player to replace Jordi Alba.
The Coach
XAVI HERNANDEZ AS EITHER THE COACH OR SPORTING DIRECTOR
Rumours earlier stated that Lionel Messi wanted his former teammate Xavi Hernandez to replace Quique Setien. However, the former Spanish midfielder rejected the proposal as he renewed terms with Al-Sadd instead. Nevertheless, Messi still wants Xavi at the club so does both Laporta and Font want the same. The former Barca man could be appointed as the Sporting Director or the manager of the club. Xavi’s plausible arrival could play a huge role in convincing Leo Messi to sign a contract renewal.
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Martinez