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Barcelona would only re-sign Messi & Neymar on ONE condition, says Laporta

Lionel Messi, PSG
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In a revealing interview, Joan Laporta gave an honest opinion of Barca’s chances of bringing back their former stars.

Lionel Messi and Neymar’s only chance to return to Barcelona would be on a free transfer, according to Joan Laporta.

The club’s president feels this is the one and only condition that may allow the Paris Saint-Germain duo to make a return to Camp Nou.

Laporta feels paying a transfer fee for footballers that have already played for Barcelona would be ‘irrational’ as doubts over Neymar’s future at PSG arise.

“Who doesn’t like Ney?” Laporta told L’Esportiu when asked if he is a fan of the Brazilian forward.

“He is an exceptional player, but he has [three] years on his contract with PSG. He is effectively enslaved to money. The only way he could come back to Barca is for free. It would be irrational to pay a transfer fee for a player you have already had.”

Neymar, who signed a new contract in Paris last year until June 2025, played for Barcelona between 2013 and 2017. He managed 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 appearances for the club.

How about Messi?

As for Messi, a player widely regarded as the greatest in Barca’s history, Laporta feels a reunion would depend on it being for free and the verdict of the club’s management.

Messi ended a 21-year association with Barcelona last summer after a breakdown in contract talks. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined PSG on a free transfer instead. He has one year left on his deal, which includes an option for a third season.

“Leo left how he left,” Laporta added.

“We would all have liked him to end his sporting career here, but because of [LaLiga’s] fair play rules and because of PSG’s offer, it was not to be.

“If he wants to return one day, it would have to be for free. And the technical staff would have to decide if he fits the new project or not.”

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