EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

PSG has identified their Messi replacement

PSG

PSG star forward Lionel Messi is in the final year of his contract. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine great would decide his future after the World Cup. Potential suitors have made their interest evident if Messi chooses to leave the Paris Giants. A possible return to Barcelona has gained prominence. Both President Joan Laporta and coach Xavi Hernandez would be pleased to bring back Messi to the club.

The Legend of the game left Barcelona in the summer of 2020 on a rather disappointing note. Many feel Messi left his story half-written with the club.

PSG identities top target to replace Messi

Reports from France state that PSG would approach Messi with a contract extension. However, If Messi decides to leave the club, PSG is scouting the market for viable options to replace his deficit.

Paris SG has identified Antoine Griezmann as a potential transfer. According to a report by Futbol Total, PSG would make a move for Griezmann if Messi leaves. The Paris giants are willing to offer him a salary in the region of 35 to 40 million euros, as much as Messi earns in the club.

Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020. Both the clubs agreed on a two-year loan.  The agreement had specific clauses that would make his loan permanent if met. One of the clauses is that if the player plays for at least 45 minutes in more than 50% of the games he is available for throughout the two seasons, the Rojiblancos are required to pay €40 million and sign him permanently the following summer.

With their financial situation, Atletico Madrid is unwilling to pay 40 million euros to sign the player. Their attempts to renegotiate the fee were met with an adamant no from Barcelona. The Madrid club has since then restricted Griezmann’s playing time, substituting in each of the games this season just after the hour mark.

Even though the 2023 summer transfer window is far away, the potential situation around Messi and Griezmann could be a headline catcher.

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