Chances of Messi returning to Barcelona at 70%, will be taking a huge pay cut – Romero

As we enter into the final two months of the season, Lionel Messi’s future at PSG continues to be in the air. And, as things stand, an exit looks more likely than a renewal with the French champions.

Instead, it is being said that Messi is prioritising a return to Barcelona in the summer. So much so that, Gerard Romero is reporting that the chances of the 35-year-old returning to his former club currently stand at 70%.

Romero goes on to add that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be taking a huge pay cut if his return to Barcelona does indeed materialise.

At the same time, he also reports that Barça are working on reducing the salaries of several players within the current squad in order to deal with their Financial Fair Play issues, which will make things easier for Messi to come back.

Club captain Sergio Busquets, for one, is expected to renew his contract with a lower salary if Messi returns to the club.

Meanwhile, Foot Mercato is also reporting that Messi is willing to make financial sacrifices in order to return to Barcelona, a place where he feels loved.

The report suggests that the Catalans will be able to offer him a contract worth around €10 million per year, which would be four times less than what he currently earns.

But, he would be willing to accept that salary, even though he has an offer worth over €400 million per year on the table from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Topping off, Veronica Brunati (h/t FCB World), who happens to be close to the Argentina captain’s entourage, is reporting that Messi would be on a salary similar to what Robert Lewandowski currently earns at Barcelona, plus variables.

The offer could be sent to him as early as this week and there is a sense of optimism within the club that the operation will go through.

Going back three-four months, the prospect of a Messi return to Barcelona seemed highly unlikely. But, now, it is starting to look like a serious possibility.