While arrivals remain a major concern at FC Barcelona, departures remain just as integral in ensuring financial balances are maintained. In the most recent major developments at FC Barcelona, one of the club’s captains and storied veterans is set to leave the club in the form of Jordi Alba.
As the Spaniard prepares to pack his bags and pursue a new chapter of his illustrious footballing career, the possible return of an old teammate to Barcelona may just be on the horizon. This particular teammate being none other than Argentine Barca legend, Leo Messi.
However, Alba’s departure does beg the question as to just how the Spaniard leaving will affect the future of Lionel Messi. According to SPORT, there are two possible outcomes that are currently foreseeable from the perspective of Messi.
With the departure of Jordi Alba being announced not too long after the announcement of Sergio Busquets’ departure, it becomes evident that the last two of the old guard that had known Messi the longest would not be there at the club in case Messi does end up arriving to Barcelona. This creates the possibility and opportunity for the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal to step in.
The Saudi Arabian club has reportedly offered Messi an unprecedented offer worth up to €400 million, something that would undoubtedly entice any player that would be offered such an amount.
Moreover, Al-Hilal are also reportedly interested in bringing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets aboard as well, welcoming the trifecta of Barcelona veterans in their ideal scenario. As of right now, however, none of the three have reportedly accepted or rejected any such offer from the side.
Then comes the option of FC Barcelona themselves. With the departure of Jordi Alba now guaranteed, the Catalans have managed to deduct a massive chunk from the total salary expense they would have otherwise have had to incur next season.
The veteran Spaniard had a rising contract signed, with the understanding that alongside his salary and the accumulated deferred payments, his payout would have been the highest in the entire Barcelona squad next season.
Since the player has decided to leave and even forego the major portion of the pending amount, the Catalans have a lot more maneuverability in terms of Financial Fairplay in order to realistically bring Lionel Messi back.
Now, it simply remains to be seen how the situation escalates and if Lionel Messi decides to finally return to the club of his dreams for one last dance or will he, alongside his old friends and teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, be making their way collectively to begin an entirely new chapter in a distant land whose fields they have never graced before on the pitch.
