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Soon to be a free agent, Lionel Messi is now at the heart of a ton of transfer speculation. The Argentine is reportedly not leaning towards extending his contract at the club, which has opened up rumours regarding his return to Barcelona.

In fact, recent reports have stated that Joan Laporta recently called and apologised to Leo to calm down the bad blood between them. The duo’s relationship ended poorly after Messi left the club on a free transfer in 2021.

Meanwhile, multiple rumours have surfaced regarding Messi’s current situation in Paris.

One of them stated that the player left Tuesday’s training session early due to problems with the coach Christopher Galtier.

Another said that PSG is not ready to accept Messi’s conditions to sign a new PSG deal, which were said to be on similar terms as Kylian Mbappe’s record-breaking contract that was signed in the summer of 2022.

Finally, the last one claimed that Leo had reportedly demanded €600 million in yearly salary to join Al-Hilal, who are interested in the player’s signature in June.

His father and agent, Jorge Messi, however, has taken to Instagram to deny all of these news, saying, “When are you going to stop lying? Wheres the proof? Ohhh, it’s because everything is false…OK!”

“As many sirens they put, don’t believe anything. WE’RE NOT GOING TO TOLERATE FAKE NEWS TO GAIN FOLLOWERS ANYMORE.”

Nobody from Messi’s entourage or PSG have said anything regarding the player’s renewal. Galtier, too, refused to comment on the situation when asked about it yesterday.

“It’s still too early to speak about Messi’s contract extension. I know that Leo, the management and the president discuss a lot. On Leo to be here next season, I repeat: it’s the will of each other. Messi is happy here.”

One can expect this situation to prolong for the next few months while Barcelona try to sort out their financial situation just enough to send an offer to the player.

Up until last year, Ousmane Dembele’s career at FC Barcelona had been largely characterised by the number of injuries he suffered and the time he spent off the pitch and on the treatment tables, to the point where it had become a running joke among opposition fans.

However, things took a positive turn for the Frenchman since the change in regime in November 2021, with Xavi Hernandez taking over as manager and bringing in his own set of medical staff and other personnel who helped Dembele stay fit and fine.

Indeed, the Frenchman had not suffered a single injury in over a year since Xavi’s arrival, until he sustained a hamstring problem in the game against Girona in late January.

Early prognosis suggested that the French international will likely be out for five to six weeks and be ready in time for this week’s El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou. But that is not how things turned out as the recovery did not go at the anticipated pace and he has been ruled out the Real Madrid clash.

Furthermore, reports on Thursday claimed that Dembele had even suffered a minor injury relapse during his recovery and was now likely to miss the Copa del Rey semi-final vs Madrid on April 5.

But, Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo is claiming that the Barcelona winger has not suffered any sort of relapse at this point. However, he adds that the injury is not healing at the expected speed, which has now delayed his return to action.

The report states that the Barcelona staff, which includes manager Xavi and club doctor Dr. Ricard Pruna, are aware of the situation and do not wish to take any risk with the 25-year-old ahead of a key phase of the season.

It is further claimed that it could take two to three weeks for the injury to heal well so that there is no risk of a relapse when Dembele does return to the field.

With Raphinha performing well in recent games, Barcelona do not see the need to risk rushing back Dembele for the Clasico, and the hope is that he could be ready for the second leg of the cup semi-final on April 5. Even then, if he is not 100% fit, the Blaugrana will not take any manner of risk with him.

As speculations surrounding the future of Lionel Messi continue to do the rounds, RMC Sport has provided a fresh update on the Argentine superstar’s potential continuity at PSG amid links with FC Barcelona.

Messi’s current contract with PSG stands to expire at the end of the season. While it was believed that he would extend with the French champions for at least one more season, things have taken a turn in recent weeks.

Indeed, there have been reports claiming that the 35-year-old is not certain about wanting to remain in France beyond this season, amid claims that Barcelona are keen to re-sign their former captain for one last dance.

Amidst this, RMC Sport is now claiming that negotiations between Messi and PSG over a new deal are continuing but an agreement is yet to be reached.

The report states that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is seeking terms similar to those of teammate Kylian Mbappe. However, Les Parisiens are not ready to give in to his demands.

Furthermore, it is also being claimed that there are some within the club who are not really convinced about extending Messi’s contract. With Neymar in no hurry to leave, the management is not certain about wanting to continue with the ‘MNM’ trio again next term.

Barcelona, for their part, are making their efforts to try and assess the possibility of bringing back the club legend after parting ways with him in 2021.

At the same time, clubs in the MLS, Inter Miami in particular, are keen on signing the Argentina captain, although his desire is to remain in Europe for one more year.

The 35-year-old has had a difficult relationship with some sections of the PSG fans. Reports are even suggesting that there are plans being made by the club’s ultras to whistle Messi for their elimination from the UEFA Champions League and protest his contract extension.

This, coupled with contract negotiations not progressing smoothly, could lead to a departure in the summer, although it is not a given. Barcelona will continue to keep close tabs on the situation, but any move would be difficult to achieve because of their Financial Fair Play issues.

In a major positive update for Barcelona, midfield prodigy is fully fit to face Real Madrid in this weekend’s El Clasico, reports RAC1. However, Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of the La Liga contest.

Pedri had picked up a hamstring injury during Barça’s UEFA Europa League playoff first-leg tie against Manchester United and has gone on to miss several important matches, including the reverse fixture against the Red Devils as well as the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg versus Real.

But, the 20-year-old sensation participated in part of the group training session earlier today and is now said to be fully fit and ready to face the reigning La Liga champions at Camp Nou later this weekend.

This comes as a huge boost for Barcelona. While they have racked up three wins in a row recently, the team have not looked the same without Pedri, with Xavi’s side missing his guile and creativity from the middle of the park.

His return, thus, ahead of a potential La Liga title-decider against Real Madrid this weekend, comes as a huge boost to the league leaders.

While Pedri will return to the squad and is almost certain to start against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, the same cannot be said about Dembele.

The Frenchman has been out of action for over six weeks now, even though it was initially expected that he might be sidelined for four-five weeks when he was injured against Girona in late January.

His recovery has not gone at the expected pace, however, and the club medical staff do not wish to take any risks with the 25-year-old, given his past record with injuries.

As a result, he will not play any part against Real Madrid this weekend and is pencilled in to return after the international break when Barcelona face Elche.

According to SPORT, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has emerged as a transfer target for La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.

Signed from Manchester City back in January last year for an initial fee of €55 million, the 23-year-old has largely underwhelmed this season, producing a paltry return of five goals from 32 matches in all competitions.

Torres, as a result of his ineffective displays, is behind Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order of things at Spotify Camp Nou.

And with the Blaugrana needing to raise capital by selling players in the summer, Torres is one among the players who might have high chances of leaving.

Amidst this, Atletico Madrid are reportedly showing a strong interest in the former Manchester City ace.

Los Rojiblancos already raided Barcelona for Memphis Depay during the winter window and have now set their sights on Torres as well.

However, as per the report, the Spanish international is reluctant to leave the club in the summer. The 23-year-old has admitted in the recent past that he was going through a difficult phase but is completely focused on succeeding at Barcelona.

“I want to succeed at Barcelona, ​​I see myself here for many years,” he had said.

So, Atletico Madrid might not be successful in their bid to sign Torres in the summer. However, the 23-year-old is not the only Barcelona forward on the Colchoneros’ radars, with Diego Simeone’s side also reportedly tracking Ez Abde, who is currently away on loan at CA Osasuna.

After seeing Real Madrid make light work of RCD Espanyol on Saturday, the onus will be on FC Barcelona to get the job done against Athletic Club tomorrow in order to reinstate their nine-gap advantage in the La Liga title race.

The Blaugrana have not been their fluent best in recent games but have shown solidity and mental fortitude to hold on to back-to-back 1-0 victories over Real Madrid (Cup) and Valencia in the last week.

Now, a trip to San Mames beckons for Xavi Hernandez & co. who will be boosted by the return of superstar striker Robert Lewandowski. But the league leaders will still be without two of their crucial players in Pedri and Ousmane Dembele.

On top of that, Barcelona will also be unable to call upon defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo, who is suspended for the game after his sending-off against Valencia. So, Xavi will have some key decisions to make regarding his defensive personnel on Sunday.

Barça Universal tries to predict how the Blaugrana will set out on the pitch in the Basque country against Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club outfit.

Starters
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on his way to winning his first-ever Zamora Trophy and will look to take another step towards that objective by keeping another clean sheet on Sunday. However, he will have to tackle the threat of Inaki Williams, who has a healthy record against him.

Meanwhile, Araujo’s absence creates a vacancy in defence and it would be fair to assume that Marcos Alonso is likely to get the nod ahead of Eric Garcia. The makeshift centre-back is someone that Xavi is quite reliant on and used him in the cup Clasico last week.

Alonso will likely partner his former Chelsea mate Andreas Christensen at the heart of the Blaugrana defence while Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde line up as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively.

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets is a certainty to feature at the base of the midfield unit as usual. Frenkie de Jong, who has gone from transferable last summer to untouchable this season, will partner the veteran star in the middle of the park.

Sergi Roberto, meanwhile, is likely to make way for Franck Kessie, who is starting to grow in stature and prominence in Xavi’s plans in recent weeks.

Robert Lewandowski is fit again and is certain to start as the centre-forward for Barcelona, given what he offers to the team. Gavi, back after serving a one-match ban for accumulation of cards, should slot in as the false-winger on the left while Raphinha slots in on the right.

Barcelona Predicted XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, Alonso, Balde; Kessie, Busquets, de Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.

Substitutes
Ferran Torres, who was guilty of missing a penalty in the last game against Valencia, will get some minutes off the bench, as has been the norm for the majority of this season. The same holds true for Ansu Fati as well.

Sergi Roberto, given his versatility, has a good chance of coming on as a substitute at some stage in the game. Jordi Alba and Pablo Torre would also be options for Xavi if he wishes to add more creative impetus on the pitch.

Barcelona will go through a massive summer sale after the end of the current season in the hopes of reducing their wage bill and making space for new signings.

The initial plan was to get the squad ready enough to compete for the Champions League this season. This would help the club with their finances as well, but Xavi’s side crashed out of the competition in the group stages, and were hit by a huge problem.

Further, after selling several assets last summer, the Catalans do not have a lot of financial levers left to pull, putting them in a desperate state. Relying on player sales might be their best option.

As such, it has been reported that Barcelona duo Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati have high chances of leaving the club in the summer.

This comes on the back of rumours claiming that Barça want to invest in a left-winger in the summer as Ferran and Fati continue to misfire in front of goal. Marcus Thuram is one of the options they have on the table since the Frenchman becomes a free agent in the summer.

The former was acquired from Manchester City in the winter of 2022 for nearly €55 million. His start with the blaugranes was impressive, but he has since fallen down the pecking order and lost his place of trust with the Camp Nou faithful as well.

As such, his market value has taken a huge hit and hypothetically, Barcelona might not get anything more than €30-40 million for his services, depending on who they sell him to.

Being a right-footed, right winger, Ferran’s profile is not that uncommon. However, his combination of on-ball dribbling ability and off-ball darting runs make him an interesting prospect for most other teams.

An undisclosed Premier League team tabled an offer to sign him in January, but their advances were rejected by the player. Three months ago, it was reported that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan were interested in his signature.

Similarly, Fati’s market value has fallen from over €100 million over the last few seasons, too. The Spaniard had been dealing with injury issues and was barely available over the last two seasons.

However, he has not picked up any serious injury this season, but has looked like a shadow of his former self. Currently, he is behind Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Gavi, and Ferran in the winger pecking order.

That said, should Barcelona choose to sell him in the summer, anything they get will be a profit since he is from La Masia. Further, he is highly-rated and could easily fetch a sum over €50 million as early as this summer.

Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are in contact with Fati’s entourage over a potential move, but are yet to make contacts with Barcelona. All three have the financial capacity to fund a €50-70 million move for the forward should they choose to pursue him.

All said and done, though, both players have a long-term contract with Barcelona, and any decision to leave will only depend on them. The blaugranes could end up retaining both, too, if they find no desirable left-wing options on the table in the summer.

Joan Laporta provided an accurate picture of Barcelona’s transfer plans heading into the summer transfer window when he spoke to the press earlier this week.

The president of the Catalan Club confirmed that a No. 9 and a right-back would be the primary targets come June. He maintained that the midfield was the most complete department in the squad with no further need for signings.

SPORT brings forth a contrasting report that reveals a possible area of difference between the manager and president. According to the outlet, Xavi Hernandez is insistent on bringing in a new midfielder. The Spanish tactician feels that the squad requires a new presence to take them to the next level and render them competitive in Europe.

Ilkay Gundogan, in that sense, is a player who appeals to Xavi. The Manchester City player ticks all the boxes the Barcelona coach demands from experience, his contractual situation and tactical familiarity.

At 32 years of age, the German international would be one of Barcelona’s oldest midfielders next season if he makes the move. Yet, he has shown no signs of slowing down at Manchester City this season with six-goal contributions in 19 Premier League starts.

The veteran also arrives with the inbuilt advantage of knowing the team’s playing style. Having played under Pep Guardiola for over six seasons, he is well-accustomed to possession-based and quick-combination football.

Gundogan’s contract with Manchester City runs out in the summer, opening the window for Barcelona to sign him on a free transfer. Thus, his signature would be economically feasible for the Blaugranas who find their hands tied in terms of summer splurging.

Martin Zubimendi and Bernardo Silva are some of the other names that interest Xavi. However, both players would not come cheap in the summer, practically ruling out a potential transfer. Given the difference between Laporta and Xavi’s assessment of the situation, it remains to be seen as to who prevails.

As Barcelona take on Athletic Club in a crucial La Liga tie this weekend, Raphinha sat down with Catalunya Radio, offering his thoughts on the club’s season so far. The attacker praised Barça for doing well this season, despite their setbacks in Europe.

“There is a lot of excitement. In the last two games, we haven’t been so good, but we’re having a very good season,” he said on Cat Radio’s Tot Costa. “I see a lot of enthusiasm in the dressing room.”

“We know we have to improve. These two games gave us a hard time at the end, but we got the win,” he added.

Raphinha is referring to recent games against Almeria and Valencia, where the club had to dig to get three points. It was the same case even against Real Madrid when the Blaugrana had to rely on Eder Militao’s own goal to secure a one-goal advantage.

“Against Valencia, we played badly one half and well the other. We know that, but the important thing is that we got the win,” Raphinha added. The Brazilian scored the winner in the game against Los Che, even causing a nuisance to the Valencia defenders with his craft and pace.

A win for Barcelona in the upcoming game against Athletic Club, and another next week against Real Madrid could go a long way in helping the Catalans gain a sizable lead at the top and move one step closer to securing the league title.

Raphinha, though, is not thinking so far ahead. “I try not to think that La Liga will be done after these two games. We have to have a head to know that there are more games. We depend on us,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian international revealed that he sought psychological help for three years and urged footballers to seek help, especially in his day and age of football.

“Three years ago I started psychological treatment. Before, I saw that as something for crazy people, but seeing how important it is for a soccer player and a professional, I took the step. I have been seeing a psychologist for years. I see it as very important,” he said.

Raphinha was also asked about the prospect of playing on the left flank. While the forward did admit he hasn’t played in that position for a long time, he suggested that he would be prepared to play even as a goalkeeper, as long as it helps the team.

“I haven’t played on the left for a long, long time. Almost five years ago. I adapted to playing on the right and I like playing there better. The problem is that when you arrive at a new club, it is important to play in your place to adapt and play well.

“But I spoke with the coach and if he puts me on the left, I want to continue helping, as if he puts me as a goalkeeper,” he said.

Opening up on his equation with Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha added: “Ousmane is one of the players I get on best with in the dressing room. Competition is normal. One has to play and another doesn’t, but when it’s fair, you don’t have to have enmity in the dressing room. I like the way he plays and as a person.”

Talking about the player who surprised him the most at Barcelona, the ex-Leeds United ace picked Gavi, saying:

“Because of his size and age and quality, Gavi, because of the attitude he has on the field, because he is so small but he doesn’t care who he faces, I am very surprised. Many of the players have surprised me, they have a lot of quality.”

On his personal targets for the season, the Brazilian said: “I am never satisfied. At the beginning of the season, I set a target of 10 goals and 10 assists. And if I get there, I go up to five more goals and five more assists. Now I’m close to my first target, but with eight goals and nine assists, so I’m still not satisfied.”