(Last Updated on April 9, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
Messi Set For Barcelona Stay.
Barcelona may be well on course to keep their talisman Lionel Messi after a summer full of uncertainty as the Catalans are one point adrift of log leaders Atletico Madrid.
The season had started rather unfavourably for Koeman’s man after losing to newly promoted Cadiz in December which left them 12 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. After gaining four wins from their opening 10, Barcelona witnessed their worst start to a season in 32 years.
Koeman has revamped the ruthlessness and Barcelona has managed 16 wins out of their last 19 owing to three draws.
The exuberance of youth talent like Pedri, a jewel in the midfield has managed to remove weight off Messi’s shoulders.Â
Along him has been the introduction of Sergino Dest, Trincao and Riqui Puig. This youth brilliance has blended well with revitalised veterans in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
This has brought life in Barcelona and a veteran Messi will be eager to be part of the bigger picture from this project. A well balanced squad and the re-election of old ally president Joan Laporta blended with Koeman’s tactical triumphs is marginally attractive enough to keep the Argentine.
Messi has been highly linked with his old boss Pep Guardiola but a new contract signed by Kevin De Bruyne would prove against the odds as the Belgian is believed to be banking in the region of 380 000 pounds per week.
As the season approaches the end and an El Classico awaits tomorrow, Barcelona will be looking to keep pressure on log leaders and further draw Real Madrid backwards with a win as they improve their development.  Â
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