The coaching situation at Barcelona is an issue that pales in comparison with the undertaking required to sign Lionel Messi up to a new contract at the Camp Nou, with the club limited to a 35 million euro annual salary for the Argentine.
In fact, several conditions must be met by the Azulgrana if they are to keep their talisman with money a side issue when it comes to the sporting project, as Messi is aware that time will run out and he seeks to bulk out his trophy cabinet with a successful final third of his career.
Talks over a new contract for the forward are set to be capped at a 35m euro wage as Barcelona consider how best to construct an affordable deal via signing on fees and its impact on sponsorship deals.
Also key to negotiations are Messi’s state of mind; his son is schooled in the city and partner Antonella Roccuzzo shares a calm, happy life with the Blaugrana star knowing that the only real alternative for their family would be a return to Argentina and Rosario.
However, such a move is considered a long way off for now and even with salary offers totalling 50m euros from the Chinese Super League, Barcelona are hopeful of this renewal staying on track and eventually being sealed to confirm the 29-year-old’s stay in Catalunya for a little while longer.
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