Xavi comments on what Barcelona should do if Messi does not return: “A player of that profile would be needed..” | OneFootball

After winning the La Liga title, Barcelona aim to be competitive enough in the European Champions League next season. For this, coach Xavi Hernandez needs to have some reinforcements, and Lionel Messi’s potential return to the Catalan club is currently a hot topic.

The Argentine reportedly has an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, making things complicated for Barcelona.

In one of the options, Leo can earn €500 million a year, whereas if he wants to return to his childhood club, he has to make huge salary sacrifices as Blaugrana have heavy Financial Fairplay constraints.

In an interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Xavi welcomed the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner’s potential signing, saying: “If Leo decides to come, he has the doors open at the football level. I know he will help us.

“I am the person in charge of the staff, he has all the confidence and all the enthusiasm of the staff for him to join. There is no doubt. I have zero doubts that he is going to help us a lot at a football level.

“As for the contractual issue, it depends on him. For me there are no doubts: the doors are open.”

Commenting on the club’s constraints with regard to the salary cap, Xavi added: “The contractual issue is no longer my concern. According to what they tell me, it is under control.”

The boss was also asked about his potential role in case his move materializes, on which he commented: “Well, in many positions he can adapt inside, he can play as a winger, he can play as a midfielder, he can play as a false nine, where he has played all his life.

“In the end, you have to find a natural habitat for him to enhance his entire game, but I do see that he can help us a lot, I think we lack that talent in the last third and Leo always gives it to you.”

Barcelona certainly needs to sign big in the summer, as they have bid farewell to two club legends, namely Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. This means that the club cannot pay Messi a huge salary.

“If Leo doesn’t come, a player of that profile would be needed. Bernardo? It would be wonderful but it’s very difficult.

“Kimmich is super top and understands the fantastic game but if there is an open door there has to be negotiation,” Xavi commented on what steps the club should take in case Messi’s signing does not go through.

Read also: Six priority targets for Barcelona for the summer transfer window