The Argentine’s deal at the Camp Nou came to an end on June 30, and, although there is the confidence that he will remain a Barcelona player, he is now free to sign with any other club.
Koeman is worried about the financial problems at the club
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has admitted that he is concerned about the financial issues the club is facing, particularly to LaLiga’s salary cap and the fact that they cannot currently renew Lionel Messi’s contract. The Argentine’s deal at the Camp Nou came to an end on June 30, and, although there is the confidence that he will remain a Barcelona player, he is now free to sign with any other club. “Whenever an issue is not solved, you have to be worried,” Koeman said at a charity golf tournament when asked about Messi’s future. “But I have complete confidence in our president Joan Laporta to fix this issue, and I hope it will because it is essential for the club but also for LaLiga that the best player in the world stays and we all have to make an effort for him to stay with us.”
Everyone defends their interests
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has raised doubts about Messi being able to renew at Barcelona before LaLiga Santander gets underway in August. Still, Koeman remains confident that this issue will be fixed shortly. “Everyone defends their interests,” Koeman responded about Tebas’ comments. “Laporta told me yesterday to be calm, that we are working on this issue, and we have the confidence to reach an agreement with Leo continue for a few more years.” Messi is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America. Still, his coach at Barcelona stressed that he could not see the 34-year-old wearing a club shirt that isn’t the Blaugrana’s. “He has always shown that he wants to stay at Barcelona, and they are working to reach an agreement,” Koeman noted.
“Leo is playing at the Copa America, he has other things on his mind, and hopefully, he will win the final against Brazil. He has always given his all for this club, and hopefully, he will stay. “For me, he should stay because to end up wearing another shirt is not good.” As Barcelona look to address their financial problems and chip away at their salary cap being a reported 174 million euros over the limit, one player that has been rumoured as a possible departure is Antoine Griezmann. Still, Koeman would ideally like to see him stay. “I’m going to count on all the players we have and, if there is a change, we have to accept it, but that’s a thing for the club,” he said.