Report: €60 million-rated Barcelona forward could leave if Messi stays

With Lionel Messi’s renewal with Barcelona edging closer despite the occasional complication, the club remains optimistic that their talisman will extend his stay in Catalonia. Predicated on which is the assumption that there needs to be a lot more room created in the wage budget.

There has been plenty of chatter regarding who the exact names on the out list could be. Barcelona have already managed to offload Junior Firpo, Francisco Trincao, Matheus Fernandes, and are working on a few more exit operations including Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic.

However, this is still not eto reduce their salary mass substantially the sale of a big name to substantially reduce their salary mass. According to CAT Radio program Tot gira, Antoine Griezmann might be the name on his way out if Lionel Messi stays.

The show discussed how Barcelona’s forwards could potentially line up in the coming season. Consdidering earlier reports which stated that president Joan Laporta asked Ronald Keman to play more offensive football and thus, revert to a 4-3-3, that is what the program said would happen.

The trio that would spearhead the attack will then reportedly be one with Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi. As opposed to popular notion, Aguero would not be in the team to solely play a secondary role.

Griezmann would consequently have no place in the attack and might be sold if this report is to be believed. The Frenchman did enjoy a slight turn in fortunes with his form last season, but is still not quite living up to his 120 million euro price tag.

However, his minor resurgence has one key positive in the way of a sale, prompting potential suitors to buy him and allowing Barcelona to recoup some much needed funds.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.