Although, at the moment, Barcelona has more important and priority files to close before proceeding with the completion of the Lionel Messi return deal.
In addition to looking for a suitable replacement for Sergio Busquets, which is crucial for Xavi, they want to cover their backs in case Messi’s return cannot be carried out, in which case Mateu Alemany saves another trick.
Keep in mind that, in addition to finalizing the signing of Javi, Araujo and Balde’s contract renewals, Barcelona need to sign a replacement for Busquets, one that Xavi has already warned must be of the highest level.
Which leads the Blaugrana team to negotiate with players such as Ilkay Gundogan, who can leave Manchester City for free but has other offers, including an offer to renew his contract with his current team as well as Arsenal, which means that Barcelona will have to make a suitable offer for his salary, and there is also Ruben Neves. , whose value is not less than 40 million euros.
For this reason, Messi is far from easy, as it is not a priority for Barcelona and there is little financial room to manoeuvre. This is why Barcelona did not close the possibility of signing Roberto Firmino as an attacking player, the current Liverpool player who had already announced his departure from Anfield, became a free agent. And he is looking for a team, perhaps outside the English Premier League.
Except for a change in the text, Real Madrid, who seemed to be one of the great competitors for this plan B that Barcelona is considering if it fails to bring Messi back, exits the offer in search of a bigger prize, leaving empty Barcelona, which already has the player’s approval.
The Brazilian can act as a substitute for Robert Lewandowski and even, if necessary, as a second striker, giving Xavi interesting technical variants. Firmino, who is a great striker, will be a short-term success as well as coming on as a free agent.
Source: Don Balon