Lionel Messi makes triumphant return as Aymeric Laporte joins from Man City

Barcelona are hoping to have a genuine legend back at the club this summer as a move for Lionel Messi is being discussed.

The Catalan giants were distraught in 2021 when the Argentine star was forced to leave the club due to their €1.35 billion of debt meaning that there was no room in the budget for the star.

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Two years on and Messi is likely to be back on the market with his Paris Saint-Germain contract coming to an end this summer.

The 35-year-old is keen to stay in Europe and is reportedly interested in a return to Barcelona, meaning that Xavi Hernandez would have some big decisions to make in his offensive line.

Aymeric Laporte is another player who has been linked with Barcelona, with the Manchester City defender looking to leave the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first team football.

So how would Laporte and Messi slot in at Barcelona if they can somehow fund the moves?

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is Barcelona’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, someone who is set to retain his jersey.

Should Laporte join the club, he’ll likely partner Ronald Araujo in Barcelona’s defence, with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde playing at right back and left back respectively.

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Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong will be the preferred pairing at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield, while Gavi will also continue in his more advanced role providing that his registration issues at the club are ironed out this summer.

Messi’s arrival would certainly be a hefty boost for Barcelona’s attacking department, however a move for the Argentine would undoubtedly leave someone with their nose out of joint.

Inevitably playing in his preferred role off the right flank, Messi would likely be accompanying Raphinha in the wide areas following the former Leeds United star’s impressive first season at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are also looking for a new number nine this summer, but any new arrival would likely be playing second fiddle to Polish sensation, Robert Lewandowski would be buzzing to have the chance to play alongside football’s GOAT, Messi.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a shock return, after joining Chelsea last summer, but would largely be restricted to bit-part player.