PSG sporting director Leonardo has fueled speculation over Lionel Messi’s next move, saying the Argentine will “always” be on his club’s target list.
Messi, famous, has only six months left on his current contract in Catalonia. After doing everything he can to force a move in the preseason, he has given little concrete indication that he will stay beyond 2020/21.
Barcelona’s presidential elections in March could still have an impact on his future, but speculation has been rife about where he might go if he leaves. Manchester City and Inter have been linked regularly, as has a sensational stint at MLS, where David Beckham has distant ambitions to bring him to Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi shows he can’t be outsmarted! ??pic.twitter.com/TrQ8sUMZj9
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 9, 2021
Among the few clubs on the planet that could possibly afford his stratospheric salary are the French champions PSG. Club chief Leonardo is not ready to rule out a deal.
“Great players like him will always be on the PSG list,” he told France Football. “Now is not the time to discuss it or even dream about it.
“We are seated at the table of those who watch over him. In fact, not seated, but with a reserved seat – just in case. Four months is an eternity in football, especially in these times. ”
Leonardo then discussed the future of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, both without a contract in 2022.
Reports have predicted that the pair could be sold at discounted prices in the summer as they enter the final year of their respective trades.
Leonardo, however, remains optimistic he will not make it.
He continued: “I hope they are convinced that PSG are a good place at the moment for an ambitious footballer. It is enough to find an agreement between their desires, their requirements, our expectations and our means.
“We don’t have to beg them. Those who really want to stay will stay. We speak regularly and I have good feelings on both matters. ”
