Xavi says Barcelona should leave Messi alone until decision, talks Bernardo as an alternative

Barcelona have several positions to reinforce ahead of the transfer window, which should make for a very interesting summer for the club and fans likewise. They will need to reinforce depth at right-back, defensive midfield, striker, and a central midfielder.

They cannot make any official moves in the market right now, though, as La Liga have not approved their financial feasibility plan. The league has been delaying a decision for a while, now, which means Barça are stuck at crossroads.

Xavi confirmed, though, that they should know better about their situation by next week.

“The priority would be a defensive midfielder, but we also need a striker and a midfielder, and a right back… I think that next week we will know exactly what situation we have,” Xavi said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Xavi also spoke about Lionel Messi, who is seemingly the topic of discussion in Barcelona right now. With the player set to leave PSG on a free transfer this summer, Barça are in hot pursuit of his signature, but have to jump over a ton of hurdles.

“Messi has the doors open here. I know that he will help us if he decides to come, but perhaps we have to leave him alone now. He told me that he will make a decision next week. I want him back 100%,” Xavi confirmed.

Messi has gone from playing as a right-winger, to false 9, to back to the wing, to playing as a second striker, and eventually attacking midfield over the course of his career. Xavi assured the fans that he will have no problems fitting into his Barcelona side.

“Messi can adapt to many positions. He can play as a winger, he can play as an interior, he can play as a false nine. I think we lack some talent in the final third and Leo always gives it to you.”

Further, his leadership would go a long way in helping the Catalans.

“Leo is also a natural leader, he would adapt perfectly to the circumstances, he has been captain of this club, he has been the best player in history and obviously of this club.”

Barcelona and Xavi are well aware that there is a chance that the transfer does not go through, though. With Saudi Arabia ready to offer him the biggest contract in the history of the sport, and Inter Miami also lurking, Leo wants a decision quickly.

As such, there is a chance that Barcelona either miss the deadline, or do not get the green light from La Liga for Messi’s signing.

Bernardo Silva has come up as his alternative, and Xavi commented on the same, as well, saying, “Bernardo Silva as an alternative? No, well, this would be clear, that would be wonderful, but he’s also a City player, very difficult.”