The three players who could facilitate Leo Messi’s return to Barcelona

These three players could be sold to allow Barcelona to sign Lionel Messi.

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 Inter Miami vs Sporting Kansas City Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the round one second leg match between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City as part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025, at Chase Stadium / IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 Inter Miami vs Sporting Kansas City Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the round one second leg match between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City as part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025, at Chase Stadium / IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport

News about Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona next season has started to heat up and with Neymar potentially on the cards we could see the old guard return for one last dance. 

Despite his age, Messi is still performing at an unbelievable level in the MLS. Even if it is only for a year it would be amazing to see him back in a Blaugrana shirt. 

The main obstacle preventing a return is set to be financial, which was also the reason why Messi joined PSG instead of renewing at the Camp Nou.

The three players who could be sold to let Messi rejoin

However, according to Fichajes, via Managing Barca, there are three players who could be on the chopping block to secure Messi’s services. 

Ansu Fati

It is no secret that Hansi Flick is not a fan of what Ansu Fati offers and the club were actively trying to loan him out last summer to make room for a potential January signing.

Eventually, the Spaniard decided to remain at Barca, despite receiving plenty of interest from numerous Premier League sides. 

If Flick continues not to choose Fati for the remainder of the season then it is very likely he is sold next transfer window.

Eric Garcia

Unlike Fati, Eric Garcia is still getting regular minutes for Barcelona under Flick. The German appreciates his strengths, which include being comfortable in multiple positions. 

However, Garcia has been courted by Girona for some time now and reports state that he is open to a transfer to his former loan club. 

The former Manchester City player has a contract with Barca until 2026 so any fee would be minimal but it would open up even more wage space to allow Messi to rejoin.

Andreas Christensen

Like Garcia, Flick likes Andreas Christensen and when he has been fit he has been utilised, unfortunately, this campaign he has barely been available due to injuries. 

Due to this, as well as Pau Cubarsi’s emergence in the first team, it looks very likely the Blaugrana will part ways with the Danish international next summer. 

Manchester United were recently linked with the former Chelsea player so when Barca decide to sell there should not be any issues drumming up interest.

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