Barcelona Rumors: Lionel Messi Informed About Looming Departure Of Star Teammate

Luis Suarez’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire next year and it looks like Barcelona does not intend to keep him. And as the separation looms, Barca is making sure that Lionel Messi is informed about the fate of his star teammate.

According to Everything Barca’s Nikhil, Barcelona’s “top priority” right now is to find the best possible replacement for Suarez, who has been spearheading the attacking field with Messi for over five years now.

Citing a report from Don Balon, there is strong speculation that the plan not to keep the Uruguayan striker is due to the reported impending return of ex-president Joan Laporta, who could sell the 33-year-old “in order to afford the player wages at the club.”

“Laporta intends to return to the presidency by appealing to the memory of glorious years and with very ambitious proposals,” the report read.

“However, Luis Suárez would not be liked by the president who comes with a fairly marked idea of ​​renewal.”

That said, several names are already being targeted for the possible replacement for Suarez. Some of them are Kylian Mbappé or Erling Braut Haland, who are both said to be eyed by Laporta. Neymar’s comeback is likewise rumored, as well as the potential signing of Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who is being projected as the most ideal choice for the Catalans.

“Martinez is indeed the perfect choice for the Blaugranes as he is one of the best strikers going around and is still pretty young. His maximum potential hasn’t been realized yet and at Camp Nou, he could even surpass the likes of Suarez and if he does reach his max potential, maybe Lionel Messi too,” Nikhil wrote.

But besides the intended flexibility in players’ compensation, one apparent reason that may ultimately force Suarez out is his age. Although he remains one of the most lethal strikers therein, it goes without saying that Barcelona is already looking beyond the future as the club braces to keep its winning culture.

Disappointed with the news, meanwhile, Messi will have to put the frustration aside as he, Suarez, and Barcelona are scheduled to return to the field on Saturday to face Mallorca as La Liga resumes.