Lionel Messi was recently confirmed to be leaving the French club, PSG, at the end of this season. The Argentine joined the club after a blockbuster transfer in 2021 after the La Liga guidelines didn’t allow FC Barcelona to renew his contract.
Messi was the subject of huge rumors ever since the World Cup ended in Qatar. He had stalled his contract negotiations with PSG as he looked for better options. It was confirmed recently that the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner would be moving to a different club in the summer.
This would leave a massive hole in the PSG side that is set to lose two of their three superstars. Neymar Jr. has also been reported to be set to leave the club after 6 seasons at the Qatar-owned club.
This has forced PSG to look in other directions to replace Messi and it seems like they have found their man. The club has set their eyes on Manchester City player, Bernardo Silva, who is enjoying a terrific season with City. His current market value stands at about $85 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Breaking: Lionel Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season, according to @FabrizioRomano. pic.twitter.com/pFF7PXtdT2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 3, 2023
Silva has previously played in the French league for AS Monaco before his transfer to City. The Portuguese has also played alongside PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe during their days at Monaco.
The French champions would want to retain Mbappe and put Silva alongside him going into next season. But they might be in for stiff competition as the Portuguese has many clubs fighting for his signature.
FC Barcelona target Bernardo Silva and Lionel Messi for the summer transfer window
FC Barcelona were rumored to be interested in Bernardo Silva last summer. The club couldn’t sign him as their debt situation didn’t allow them but they seem to be prepared this time around. The La Liga champions might not stop at Silva and go a step further and sign Messi as well.
🚨 | Manchester City will be open to selling Bernardo Silva if they receive an offer worth around €80M. 🔵 #MCFC
Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona and Juventus are following Bernardo Silva. 👀 🇵🇹 #PSG #FCB #Juve pic.twitter.com/SNMMl9XsDk
— Krrish (@KKrrish27) May 17, 2023
Messi’s return to Spain has been one of the most talked about topics since the World Cup. The Argentine has been rumored to come back to Camp Nou after he was spotted hanging out with his former teammates.
Messi also has other options at his disposal as Al-Hilal would want to bring him to Saudi to rival Al-Nassr. On the other hand, Silva is enjoying one of his best seasons for City who were recently crowned the PL Champions.
Silva helped his side cruise to victory against Barcelona’s rivals, Real Madrid. This would have gone down well with the Catalan club’s fans and players. It remains to be seen which club Silva chooses if he decides to leave City this summer.
