LIONEL MESSI will reportedly be offered just a QUARTER of his old Barcelona salary if he is to return to the Nou Camp.
The Spanish giants are attempting to bring the Argentine legend, 35, back to the club.
Messi left in emotional circumstances two years ago as the Catalan side were forced to address their critical financial situation.
He has now spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing 31 goals and 33 assists in 69 appearances.
But he is out of contract with the Ligue 1 champions in the summer.
And a return to Barcelona has been mooted as a potential destination for Messi, along with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami.
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The World Cup-winner had spent his entire career at Barcelona before leaving in 2021, registering 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games.
But, according to Sport, Messi will not receive anywhere near the £88million annual salary that he was earning by the end of his spell at Nou Camp if he is to make a come back.
It is understood they will offer Messi a deal worth £22m per year – in line with the sum being paid to Robert Lewandowski.
That is a world away from the £375m a year he could reportedly scoop at Al-Hilal.
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The length of the Barca contract is expected to be two years, but the Argentine will be given the option to terminate it after one season.
And even if Messi is prepared to take a 75 per cent salary reduction, his return is still dependent on Barcelona slashing their wage bill.
They are expected to sell players in order to raise the funds for Messi.
A number of stars have already been linked with moves away from at the end of the season.
Midfielder Gavi, 18, is being monitored by Chelsea after Barcelona removed him from their registration of first-team players due to their ongoing financial issues.
This means he could leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Ansu Fati is another player who could depart the Spanish giants as Manchester United eye the 20-year-old forward.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
