Despite the precarious financial situation at the Catalan giants, Bartomeu has refused to allow Messi to leave the club before the end of his contract in 2021.
However, at a time when tension is still delicate between the two parties, it appears that the club’s long-serving superstar will now be asked to reduce his wages.
According to Deportes Cuatro, Bartomeu will ask that the 33-year-old take the lead to help Barcelona balance their books.
Cuatro reports the request is due to be made during the pair’s first face-to-face talks since Messi‘s transfer saga which transpired earlier and the proposal will be put to the Argentine superstar.
The football world was sent reeling in shock when the 33-year-old announced he wanted to leave the club in August and the bone of contention surrounding his leaving was whether he could leave for free and if he would sensationally reunite with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. However, he was ultimately left woth no alternative but to make a U-turn as he did not want to take Barca – the club he loves – to court.
Cuatro also states that Messi wants nothing to do with Bartomeu, as he believes Bartomeu went back on his word after saying he would be allowed to leave anytime he desired to at the end of the season.
The Catalan giants’ financial situation is dire, to say the least with club accounts for the 2019-20 season revealing massive losses of £90million.
Messi is well aware that after being re-elected as skipper he is expected to lead by example when it comes to helping the club implement cost-cutting measures.
Let’s see how this pans out when Bartomeu’s request is made to Messi.
Credit: Football Tribe Malaysia
