PSG ‘set to KEEP Lionel Messi for at least another season and build their new-look team around him’… but the Ligue 1 giants are ‘open to letting Neymar MOVE ON’ this summer
- Lionel Messi has struggled to find his best form in his first season at PSG
- However, the club have decided to keep him for another campaign
- They want to build their team around the Argentine playmaker next term
- The club could be tempted to sell fellow forward Neymar this summer
Lionel Messi is set to remain at PSG for at least another season, according to reports.
The 34-year-old has had a somewhat underwhelming debut campaign in France, scoring just four Ligue 1 goals this term.
However, PSG wish to keep him and build their team around the forward next season, as reported by Sky Sports News.
Lionel Messi is set to stay at PSG next season despite struggling to find his best form this term
This news looks to have put an end to speculation regarding Messi’s future for now, with the playmaker set to enter the final year of his contract at PSG this summer. There is an option for his contract to be extended by a further 12 months.
Messi was urged to return to his former club Barcelona by ex-team-mate Dani Alves earlier this month, but a summer switch now appears unlikely.
Messi could be playing in a new-look side in 2022-23, despite PSG wrapping up their 10th French title on Saturday.
Top scorer Kylian Mbappe’s deal expires in June, and he has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Sky Sports News have also claimed PSG are open to selling Neymar in the upcoming transfer window.
Kylian Mbappe could be in line for a move to Real Madrid when his contract expires in June
PSG are also open to selling winger Neymar when the transfer window re-opens
Meanwhile, Messi’s fellow Argentine, Angel Di Maria, is out of contract this summer, and may look for a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Away from the pitch, it seems there will be further major changes as manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to leave, and sporting director Leonardo’s future is being considered by the club’s hierarchy.
One player who is in line to be playing alongside Messi next season is Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was reported on Friday that PSG have decided to keep hold of the Italian goalkeeper, with Keylor Navas likely to depart the club instead.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk