PSG Transfer News Roundup: Xavi opens up on Lionel Messi's Barcelona move; Parisians advised to hire Carlo Ancelotti, and more - May 23, 2023
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are preparing to face Strasbourg on Saturday (May 27) in Ligue 1. Christophe Galtier's team will win the league by avoiding defeat this weekend.
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi reckons Parisians attacker Lionel Messi will decide his next destination. Elsewhere, the Ligue 1 giants have been advised to appoint Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on May 23, 2023:
Xavi opens up on Lionel Messi's Barcelona move
Barcelona manager Xavi reckons Lionel Messi's proposed move to the Camp Nou depends on a lot of factors.
The Argentinean's contract with PSG runs out at the end of next month, but he hasn't signed an extension yet. The Blaugrana are heavily linked with a Bosman move for their prodigal son this summer.
Xavi said in a press conference (as cited by Goal) that the move will heavily depend on Messi's intentions.
"It's up in the air. It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say. Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend. From there, it depends on many things, but above all, on his intentions and what he wants," said Xavi.
Apart from the La Liga giants, Inter Miami also have their eyes on Messi.
PSG advised to hire Carlo Ancelotti
Journalist Jonathan Johnson has advised PSG to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
The Italian' future at Real Madrid remains up in the air after an underwhelming season. The Parisians are also expected to replace their manager Christophe Galtier this summer following another disappointing UEFA Champions League campaign.
In his column for PSG Talk, Johnson said that Ancelotti might feel that he has unfinished business at the Parc des Princes:
"The final possible option is a long shot, given how it finished ten years ago, but the Italian remains a masterful coach, and there is a sense of unfinished business around his time with PSG," wrote Johnson.
He continued:
"Perhaps it is too far in the past now, and there is strong interest from the Brazil national team in taking Ancelotti at the end of this season, but the French champions could offer him several years to shape the club as an institution that was supposed to be the idea the first time around."
Johnson also admitted that Ancelotti might be reluctant to return after his unceremonious exit from the club.
"The 63-year-old serial UCL winner remains one of the most prestigious names in the game and could yet have enough left in the tank for one final club project," wrote Johnson.
He added:
"Leonardo no longer being involved would aid PSG’s chances, but many bridges were burned when Ancelotti left in 2013, and there is no guarantee that those could be fixed to the extent that he would return to Parc des Princes now.”
Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu recently. His deal expires at the end of next season.
Manchester United not interested in Neymar
Manchester United are not interested in Neymar, according to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol.
The Brazilian forward's future at PSG remains undecided, with the Parisians eager to offload him this summer. The player's entourage is already offering his services to multiple clubs across the continent and have also approached the Red Devils.
The Premier League giants are long-term admirers of the 31-year-old and have been linked with him before. Manchester United have reportedly been contacted by intermediaries to discuss a possible move this summer. However, the Premier League giants do not have Neymar in their plans at the moment.