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With Lionel Messi set to depart Paris Saint-Germain, the Ligue 1 champions have chosen Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva as their Argentine star’s replacement.
According to Mirror Football, the Leo Messi is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the conclusion of the current season.
The Argentine superstar’s contract renewal is no longer a priority for the club, which is now planning on constructing its team without him.
In his place, the French champions are rumored to be preparing a move for Bernardo Silva of the Premier League champions.
Were they to lure the Portuguese away this summer, PSG’s gain would be Man City’s loss.
Bernardo Silva is Paris-Saint Germain’s Intended Messi Replacement
Silva has emerged as a leading candidate to head the summer arrivals at the Parc des Princes.
The Portugal international has been on Barcelona’s desired list for the past year, as manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed last summer. However, a transfer did not materialize.
Silva may not be headed to Barcelona, but Lionel Messi very well may be. The club hopes to sign him as a free agent this summer, and Messi wants to return to the Blaugrana, but the club’s financial situation complicates any potential transfer.
Big-name arrivals at Camp Nou are improbable if there are no departures first.
As reported by Sport in December, the Catalan club must reduce its salary expenditures from €600 million to €400 million for the upcoming season in order to enrol new players and sign new contracts.
Messi’s departure from PSG will allow the French club to comply with wage regulations, as Le Parisien reports that City star Silva is at the summit of their summer transfer wish list.
It is also rumored that they are monitoring Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
Messi’s Relationship with PSG Damaged Beyond Repair
Messi recently issued an apology for his unsanctioned travel to Saudi Arabia earlier this month, but he was jeered by the club’s fanbase upon his return to selection for this weekend’s Ligue 1 victory over Ajaccio.
It appears that the connection between PSG supporters and the player has been severed following the Saudi incident.
There is also reported to be an offer on the table for Messi from Saudi Arabia, but Pro League side Al-Hilal, which he has been heavily linked with a move to, are currently observing a transfer embargo and Messi wishes to remain in Europe for the time being.
This leaves Barcelona as Messi’s most obvious choice, but a transfer is far from certain.
Messi remains the most marketable football figure in the world, and despite turning 36 this summer, he is still one of the sport’s top attacking talents.
In contrast to other stars of the past decade, he has proven profitable to PSG, having joined the club without a transfer fee, on a considerably reduced salary from his previous Barca contract, and by bolstering the club’s sponsorship agreements.
Wherever the World Cup winner ends up next, he will be sure to shine a spotlight on the club he plays for.
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