FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta handed another quick update on contract talks with Lionel Messi.
Joan Laporta has told Barcelona fans that ‘tranquillity and patience’ is key for Lionel Messi’s future.
The Blaugrana president is ‘very satisfied’ with how things are going in the club’s attempt to re-sign Messi and expects to announce ‘good news as the summer advances’.
Laporta’s latest statement comes amid reports that Messi has agreed on a five-year deal. The alleged offer sees the Argentine take a 50% pay cut from his previous contract, although nothing is signed yet.
“Messi? The message is tranquillity and patience,” Laporta said on Mundo Deportivo.
“At times, you have to play the game of marbles. All will be well.
“The professionals are doing a good job. We are very satisfied with how everything is progressing, but you already know that it’s a special market that requires patience and skill.
“But I believe that we will be able to give good news as the summer advances.”
Messi is currently on holiday in Miami with his family after helping Argentina win the Copa America this summer.
Messi will sign a new contract at Barcelona at the end of the month, reports @sport 📝
They claim Messi will take a 50% reduction in salary but the 34-year-old will sign for FIVE more years 💥 pic.twitter.com/egz8PdRa38
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 14, 2021
What is left for Barcelona to do a deal?
Getting Messi to agree on a new contract is a huge plus if the reports are correct, but Laporta and Barcelona aren’t at the finish line yet.
The club’s €1.2 billion debt, along with the lost revenue during the pandemic, has left them in a vulnerable position. Add La Liga’s salary cap to the mix, Barcelona got their work cut out. In fact, Laporta cannot register any of his summer signings, or Messi for that matter, until he cuts the wage bill.
It’s understood the president must reduce the club’s salary cap, and he plans on doing so by offloading high earners.
One player who could be on his way out is Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona are reportedly locked in talks with Atletico Madrid over a swap deal involving the French attacker and midfielder Saul Niguez.
Jean-Clair Todibo, Matheus Fernandes, Trincao, Junior Firpo, and Carles Alena have already left Camp Nou this summer.
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