Could Messi return to Barcelona next season? Club's improved finances could make it 'viable'

Barcelona’s vice president has suggested that a return to the club for Lionel Messi next season would now be “viable” because the Catalan side’s finances are now in order. The Argentina international left the club last year on a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain, when the La Liga giants were unable to offer him a new contract. At the time, Messi signed a two-year deal, meaning his time in Ligue 1 could come to an end next summer. 

“If he’d come back, it would be on a free transfer, so it could be feasible in my area,” said economic vice president Eduard Romeu in an interview with Cataluyna Radio. “He’s a club icon, a legend, and Barcelona will always be his home. But his return would be a technical decision.” However, Romeu did stress that Barcelona’s finances are not yet back to their previous levels just yet. 

“We have saved the club for now, but it’s not done yet,” Romeu added. “The patient is still not completely healthy. It’s time to be austere, rigorous and work hard. When is the club going to be healthy again? During the five years we’ll spend here, surely. In the 24-25 season we expect to be at the level Barcelona must be.” Romeu confirmed that the club have reduced its wage bill by €150 million, pointing out that a number of older, well-paid players have been moved on in recent transfer windows. 

In the summer window alone, the Spanish giants were able to sell Philippe Coutinho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Miralem Pjanic, Martin Braithwaite, Dani Alves and others all left on free transfers. Similarly, the club were able to loan out Sergiño Dest, Clément Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti to other clubs, further reducing their wage bill. “There has been a lot of movement and changes on contracts and deferred salaries,” said Romeu. “In a couple of seasons, we expect to have a reasonable wage bill in the club.”