With the January transfer window now closed, attention has turned to the summer as clubs prepare for the next transfer window. There is plenty of speculation swirling around, and Transfer Talk is here to bring you all the latest gossip, rumours, done deals, and comings and goings in the world of football.
One of the biggest stories currently making the rounds is the future of Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward is reportedly considering a return to FC Barcelona after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June, according to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato. Sources suggest that the 35-year-old’s priority is to go back to his former club, and meetings have already taken place between his father and agent, Jorge Messi, and Barcelona president Joan Laporta. PSG manager Xavi has also been in regular contact with the Argentine star.
However, a major obstacle in negotiations is Barcelona’s financial situation. To comply with La Liga’s salary cap, the Catalan side must sell various players if they want to bring back Messi. Moreover.
PSG is reportedly not willing to meet the salary demands that Messi’s camp is asking for, as he wants a wage similar to that of Kylian Mbappé, which may be too high for an aging player. With PSG’s defeats, elimination from the UEFA Champions League, a tense relationship with supporters, and a falling out with manager Christophe Galtier. Messi’s adventure in Paris seems to be seriously complicated.
another side according to Dailymail reports, Al-Hilal, a club in the Saudi Pro-League, may be attempting to revive the fierce competition between two generational football greats by making a bid for Messi. Ronaldo, who signed a massive £175m-a-year contract with Al-Nassr, has already made his mark in the league. However, if Al-Hilal manages to acquire Messi, it would create an intense rivalry between the two teams, both on and off the field. The potential addition of Messi to the Saudi Pro-League would undoubtedly bring more attention and interest to the league from football fans worldwide.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid is said to be monitoring the situation of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. The England international will see his contract enter its final year in the summer, and with Madrid keen on finding a long-term successor for Karim Benzema, they could challenge for his services, which have also attracted the interest of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae, as well as a striker, amid interest in Victor Osimhen. Barcelona and Tottenham are said to be keeping tabs on Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, while clubs in La Liga are reportedly interested in Club America defender Emilio Lara.
As the summer approaches, there is sure to be plenty more transfer speculation, and Transfer Talk will be here to bring you all the latest news and rumours.