Messi Wants Barcelona To Sign Manchester United’s $130M Target, Who Could Be His Successor At Nou Camp: Report

Lionel Messi reportedly wants FC Barcelona to sign Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window.

Apart from the duo of Lautaro Martinez and Neymar, the likes of Sancho, Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling and Serge Gnabry have also been linked to the Catalans recently. While Sancho is one of Manchester United’s top targets in this transfer window, it is understood that Messi recently has shown a keen interest in the English player.

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Barca, like other soccer clubs, have been hit economically and might not be able to make the expensive signings of Neymar and Martinez. As an alternative, Sancho would be a great fit, considering he has already received a green signal from the club captain.

In terms of numbers, Sancho was one of the top performers last season across top leagues. He was the only player from top-five leagues, apart from Messi and Eden Hazard, to have scored goals and assists in double figures. The 20-year-old winger has been impressive for the Bundesliga side with the ability to perform from both the flanks on the pitch as well as doing well as an attacking midfielder through the middle.

Before the current campaign was halted due to the pandemic virus, Sancho topped Dortmund’s chart with 17 goals under his belt ahead of German captain Marcus Reus and Norwegian star Erling Haaland. Out of the 17 goals, Sancho’s 14 came in Bundesliga where he also provided 16 assists in 23 league matches. Dortmund currently trail leaders Bayern Munich by four points.

According to Don Balon, Barca will have to battle the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea in the race to sign Sancho, who is believed to have a transfer label of $130 million at Dortmund. However, neither of the clubs have yet made an official offer for the Englishman.

The report further stated that Barca coach Quique Setian could offer Philippe Coutinho to Dortmund as a part of the deal to reduce the transfer fee.