While the arrivals are integral for FC Barcelona to compete next season, certain departures are also of vital importance for the Catalans. As it stands, a particular giant from the Middle East is reportedly interested in acquiring two of Barcelona’s most storied veterans.
According to French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, record 18-time winners of the Saudi Pro League, have sent offers to FC Barcelona to acquire the services of Barcelona’s first captain Sergio Busquets and the club’s third captain Jordi Alba.
Moreover, the French journalist also states that while these offers do exist to bolster the quality of Al-Hilal in itself and promote the club to a wider audience, the primary reasoning behind these offers is to persuade the players to join so that consequently the Saudi club is able to present Lionel Messi with a more attractive package that would include having the opportunity to play alongside his old Barcelona teammates.
The report also includes details that state that a similar offer is also being considered for Paris Saint Germain’s Italian midfield maestro, Marco Verratti, a player that Messi has visibly formed a solid connection with during his time at PSG.
This strategy clearly showcases the extent to which Al-Hilal is willing to go in order to secure the signing of the 7-time Ballon D’or winner and allow the Saudi club to accomplish their goal of recreating the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry right there in the Middle Eastern country, with the Portuguese forward already plying his trade for Al-Hilal’s rival club, Al-Nassr.
Added to the apology that the Argentine sent to the Parisian club earlier this week, this only produces yet another obstacle for the Blaugrana club to maneuver in order to achieve their dream of reuniting the Argentinean World Cup winner with the club of his life, something that most believe is almost fate waiting to happen.
