Barcelona captains will stay at the club for one more year as Messi return gets closer

Barcelona are edging closer to securing the return of their prodigal son Lionel Messi. Although the transfer is subject to La Liga’s final verdict over Financial Fair Play, there is much optimism regarding the possibility of the Argentine’s return, which may have a huge impact on the Barça dressing room.

According to Catalunya Radio, Sergio Busquets might end up renewing his contract at Barça if the club can facilitate the return of the former superstar.

Busquets, whose contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season, was handed a new proposal by the club earlier in the year. However, it included a substantial salary cut, as part of Barcelona’s plans to cut the cost of the workforce.

The paltry €7 million per season offer led to fears that Busquets might not continue at Barça. However, it appears the midfielder is ready to prolong his stay for at least one more season if Messi returns to Camp Nou.

The same can be said for Jordi Alba. Although the defender already has a contract until 2024, there were whispers suggesting that the veteran might be offloaded in the coming summer, amid interest from Inter Milan.

But if Messi arrives at the club, Alba will fulfil his contract until 2024. In fact, the report claims Alba, Messi and Busquets are already imagining themselves together at Camp Nou next season, as Barcelona continue to make significant strides in their bid to re-sign the Argentine ace.

However, the club must still play the waiting game, especially with La Liga unlikely to provide a response to the club’s Financial Feasibility Plan until early May. Hence, it promises to be a few tense weeks ahead for the Catalan outfit.