Messi expected to stay at Barcelona despite financial difficulties

Lionel Messi is reportedly likely to sign a new contract and remain at Barcelona despite the financial difficulties the Catalan club are facing at the moment.

Having acquired the services of Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia from Manchester City, as well as forward Memphis Depay from Olympique Lyon, all on free transfers, Barcelona’s biggest problem is the salary cap imposed by La Liga which, apparently prevents them from registering these players under the terms agreed and keep Messi on the payroll as well. It’s worth bearing in mind that they had intended to sign Georginio Wijnaldum as well, before Paris Saint-Germain swooped in and stole the march on the former Liverpool midfielder.

To solve the problem, they’ve been working on offloading the players they feel they can do without. Francisco Trincao has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan with an option to buy, Junior Firpo has been sold to Leeds for a reported fee of €15 million, and they’re believed to be willing to let Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic leave for free, all in order to get these players off their wage bill.

But Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero has told Sky Sports he believes Barcelona will succeed in clearing these obstacles and keep the six-time Ballon d’Or winner at the Camp Nou.