Barcelona to raise 200 million euros to finance Lionel Messi move this summer - Paper Round
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Updated 20/04/2023 at 07:07 GMT
Barcelona hope to sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, while Karim Benzema will extend his stay at Real Madrid for at least one more year. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are keen to appoint Adi Hutter as manager this summer, and Manchester United will make room in their squad for Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
Messi back to Barca? Xavi on 'great excitement' at potential return
Barcelona plotting Messi move
With Lionel Messi yet to agree to stay at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona are putting their affairs in order as they look to re-sign their legendary former player.
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Barcelona will sell some assets to raise funds to get their accounts signed off by La Liga.
The paper writes: “Barcelona's planning for the coming season is based on their ability to raise 200 million euros, either in the form of revenue or by reducing costs. As MARCA has already reported, this is now the main objective of the club, which is preparing an economic viability plan to be presented to LaLiga shortly.
“If they are given the go-ahead, the club will be able to go to the market with certain guarantees and, above all, try to make Leo Messi's return a reality.
“If the operation finally takes place, the chances of Leo Messi returning to Barcelona would increase. The Argentine is already aware of the club's interest in signing him, but also that the club's financial situation is very delicate. The club is looking for income while the player waits with PSG's renewal offer on the table and a proposal from Arabia that would cover him in gold.”
Benzema set to leave Real in a year
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has agreed a contract extension with his current club, which may signal that the Frenchman is likely to move on next summer ahead of Endrick’s arrival from Brazil.
“Karim Benzema is set to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 after agreeing a fresh one-year contract extension with the club,” The Mirror claims.
“The striker recently turned down a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia as he opts to stay in European football. It was a similar approach that saw his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo complete a stunning move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January, where he is earning in the region of £173 million per year.
“That would take the veteran forward up to the summer of 2024 when Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick is set to arrive in Madrid from Palmeiras. It is at this juncture that Benzema may decide to move on, although there are plans for him to fulfil a non-playing role at the club once he opts to retire.”
Palace choose Hutter as Hodgson replacement
Former Borussia Monchengladbach manager Adi Hutter has been chosen as the new Crystal Palace coach, reports The Sun.
Roy Hodgson is in situ as Patrick Vieira’s interim replacement, but he is likely to step aside for a longer term option.
The paper explains: “Crystal Palace are set to appoint Adi Hutter as their new boss at the end of the season.
“The Eagles hired Roy Hodgson as manager until the end of the season after sacking Patrick Vieira last month.
“Hodgson, 75, has inspired Palace to three consecutive wins, propelling the South Londoners away from the relegation zone.
“In the meantime, the Eagles are succession planning for next season.
“Palace are on the cusp of appointing Hutter as their new boss.”
United plan defensive clearout
The summer should see Manchester United let a number of defenders leave in order to make room for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, according to The Daily Mail, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams all at risk.
“Manchester United are said to have held talks with the representatives for Bayer Leverkusen right back Jeremie Frimpong amidst plans for a fire sale of defenders in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports,” the report states.
“Erik ten Hag has been long searching for a right back as he prepares to sell at least three full-backs over the summer, and after a strong season in the Bundesliga, the Dutch defender has climbed to the top of the rankings.
“United were prepared to accept offers for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has struggled to find consistent form at Old Trafford, last summer, but no concrete interest materialised.
“Diogo Dalot's contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and whilst the club are in discussions with the Portuguese international, he has attracted admiring glances from European clubs such as Juventus, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan.
“The club has earmarked captain Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams for sale in the summer, after Bailly and Telles' loan stints in Marseille and Sevilla come to a close.”
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