Barcelona positive on Lionel Messi's contract and expect to seal new deal in the first week of August

ByEurosport

Updated 26/07/2021 at 09:43 GMT

Barcelona are working behind the scenes to trim their wage bill - with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite all linked with moves away from the club. Once the club have met La Liga's salary cap they will be able to register star man Lionel Messi

Barcelona are confident of tying Lionel Messi to a new deal in the first week of August.

Messi is currently a free agent after his previous deal lapsed at the end of last season.

There was talk of a move away from Catalunya, but the indications are that Messi has agreed terms on a five-year contract with Barcelona.

Transfers

Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with Beckham – Paper Round

06/04/2024 at 07:10

• Finally some good news for Spurs - the Warm Up
• Ronaldo will stay with us, Juventus confirm

The stumbling block concerns Barca’s need to cut their wage bill to bring the club in line with La Liga’s salary cap.

Barca are working behind the scenes to trim their wage bill - with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite all linked with moves away from the club.

VAR shocker! Disbelief as Brazil's Luiz gets highly controversial red card

Sport is reporting that Barca expect to have made the required progress by the first week of August, which is when Messi is due to return for pre-season training.

Messi is unable to play competitively for Barca until his contract has been registered, meaning the club must comply with La Liga’s salary cap before they can field their talisman.

Barcelona begin their 2021/22 Liga campaign against Real Sociedad on August 15.

Football

'The moment I feel I am no longer able to perform' - Messi hints at retirement plans

27/03/2024 at 13:24

Olympic Games Paris 2024

France boss Henry warns of 'long journey' as groups drawn for Olympic football

20/03/2024 at 23:16

Football

'I wanted to participate' - Messi defends controversial Hong Kong friendly absence

06/02/2024 at 14:05