Frenkie de Jong comments on PSG star Lionel Messi's possible move to Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has commented on his relationship with club president Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi's potential return to Camp Nou.
De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer amid the Blaugrana's financial issues. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was eager to reunite with his former Ajax midfielder.
However, De Jong's intentions were to remain with Barcelona and he did so. There were some suggestions that issues arose between the Dutchman and Laporta during the saga but the 26-year-old has played those claims down. He told Ziggo Sport:
"I'm fine with Laporta. I've never been bad with him. They had that situation in the summer, but my relationship with him is fine".
Reports claim that Manchester United agreed on an €85 million deal for De Jong. However, the player's wishes were to remain with the Catalan giants. He has gone on to score two goals and provide three assists in 39 games across competitions.
De Jong may be rejoined by Lionel Messi at Camp Nou this summer. Reports claim that Barcelona have held talks with La Liga to generate more financial flexibility for a deal. The Argentine icon will be out of contract in the summer when his PSG deal expires.
The Dutchman touched on Messi's potential return by lauding the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner but admitting he doesn't know if he will arrive at Camp Nou:
"Messi? He's a fantastic, he's great! But I have no idea if his return going to happen or not."
Lionel Messi left Barca in 2021 after the Catalan giants were unable to afford a new contract for their iconic forward. He has since moved to PSG and has bagged 20 goals and 19 assists in 38 games across competitions this season.
However, Messi sparked controversy by making an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia at the start of the month. He was slapped with a suspension by the Parisians and his relationship with the club's fans is at rock bottom. A return to Barcelona is mooted but the La Liga giants need to shed €200 million off their wage bill.
Barcelona boss Xavi thinks Lionel Messi's return will improve his side's Champions League chances
Barcelona won their first La Liga title since 2019 last weekend following a 4-2 win over Espanyol. Lionel Messi was part of the celebrations, video-calling the players as they celebrated in the dressing room.
Speculation continues to grow over him returning to the Blaugrana in the summer and Xavi is intent on a reunion. The Spanish coach reportedly feels Messi can help his side become more competitive in the Champions League.
Barca were woeful in Europe this season despite their league success. They exited the Champions League in the group stages for the second consecutive campaign. Xavi's men were then eliminated from the Europa League in the playoffs losing 3-2 to Manchester United on aggregate.
Messi won four Champions League trophies during his time with the Blaugrana. Hence, he comes with an abundance of European experience.