ANOTHER Barcelona star calls for Messi return

Carlo Garganese

• 28 May 2023 15:57 BST
• 3 min read

Yet another Barcelona star has called for Lionel Messi to return to the club, the latest being France winger Ousmane Dembele.

The Blaugrana are in negotiations with the Argentine superstar over a romantic return to Camp Nou on a free transfer as he is out of contract this summer.

There has been a chorus of Blaugrana voices in recent weeks urging for the deal to be completed - ranging from coach Xavi to striker Robert Lewandowski.

And now Dembele has added his voice.

What did Dembele say about Messi?

“Messi is the absolute legend here,” Dembele told Telefoot.

“To see him again by our side would be exceptional.”

There have been positive signs over a successful transfer outcome in recent days. Last week, it was reported that LaLiga has approved Barca’s viability plan, thus allowing them to afford the signing of Messi.

This means that the club will return to the more lenient Financial Fair Play (FFP) structure and will be able to sign players normally, making a deal for Messi possible.

Lionel Messi’s next club

Messi’s contract at PSG expires at the end of the season and it is now widely accepted he will leave on a free transfer next month.

Messi is also a confirmed target for Al-Hilal and has been in negotiations over joining them on a free transfer for several weeks.

It has been reported that Al-Hilal have offered Messi a contract in the region of €400 million a year.

This would be a world record salary. It is understood that Messi prefers a return to Barcelona over a move to Saudi Arabia but his father/agent Jorge may prefer Al-Hilal for economic reasons.

Dembele also confirmed that he plans to stay at Barcelona next season, having helped the club to the league title this campaign.

“I feel good here in Barcelona. I hope to become a very, very great player here,” Dembele added.

“My biggest dream is to win a Champions League with Barça. Winning this trophy with the club you love is the holy grail.”