Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Reportedly Prioritizing Lionel Messi's Contract Extension

Barcelona F.C. is reportedly prioritizing the renewal of Lionel Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s contracts.

This season has been a wild journey for Barca. First, the club went through a disastrous losing streak, making their captain Messi hit his worst season in 6 years. Things got worse when news broke that Messi and the Barcelona management have been having issues.

Latest report states that the Barca captain is unhappy with current FC Barcelona coach Quique Setien and wants the club to sack him after the current season ends. Reports also claim that Messi has recommended River Plate’s renowned manager Marcelo Gallardo. After Ernesto Valverde was sacked, Gallardo was considered one of the choices as Valverde’s replacement. However, Gallardo had preferred to remain in South America.

Despite all the controversies, Barcelona remains firm with their decisions and according to Sport transcripted by Barca Blaugranes, Barcelona’s summer plans include prioritizing new contracts for Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu and CEO Oscar Grau are reportedly already working on the two extensions and aware that both players intend to continue.

Messi’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and Bartomeu is said to be working on his renewal at the moment.

Meanwhile, the report reckons Barcelona have held four meetings with Ter Stegen already and want him to extend until 2024. It is also said that Ter Stegen wants a hefty pay rise in order for Barcelona to recognize his importance to the team. And although there is no done deal yet, the club is very optimistic that the Ter Stegen contract can be sorted by next month.

Another interesting move by Barcelona states that the club is close to acquiring Juan Sebastian Sforza, captain of the U17 national team representing in the FIFA World Cup. Sforza is being viewed as Barcelona’s future Messi because he is believed to be built the same way as the Argentine superstar.

Aside from the fact that Messi and Sforza are both from Argentina, they are also both developed by same club – “Newell’s Old Boys.”

Currently, Messi is in self-quarantine following the Coronavirus pandemic. On his social media account, the 32-year-old urges people to stay indoors with their families as health must always come first.

"Health must always come first. It is an exceptional moment and you must follow the instructions of both health organisations and public authorities. Only in this way can we combat it effectively. It is the time to be responsible and stay at home. It is also perfect to enjoy that time with your [family],” Messi wrote.

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