Xavi already has plan B: the star that Barça will look for if Messi doesn't come.

Despite its delicate economic situation, FC Barcelona will use all its tools to fulfill the dream of thousands of blaugrana fans: signing Lionel Messi. However, this task will not be easy for the Culé board, especially when facing powerful rivals like Al-Hilal and Premier League teams, which is why Joan Laporta has started searching for other alternatives in the market, with the aim of fulfilling the request of Xavi Hernández, who asked for the signing of a midfield reference. While there are many names on the table, the Catalan team has become obsessed with one name, and that name is none other than Bernardo Silva.

No one doubts that the priority of the team from the City of Barcelona is the return of the 'Pulga', whose contract with PSG will end next summer. However, everyone at the club acknowledges that the mission will not be easy. With the need to reduce the wage bill to comply with LaLiga's Financial Fair Play and convince the Argentine to return, the challenges become increasingly difficult.

According to the information provided by Gerard Romero, in case Messi's return does not materialize, FC Barcelona will focus on signing Bernardo Silva, the talented midfielder from Manchester City. His technical ability and vision of the game are attributes that Xavi Hernández really likes, as he hopes to add a top-level player to his squad.

It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time the Catalan coach has requested the signing of the Portuguese player. Years ago, Silva was on the radar of the Catalan team, but the 'Citizens' prevented his departure from Etihad Stadium, as he is one of the key players in Pep Guardiola's squad. However, Silva's contract with the English team runs until June 2025, but he has not yet decided whether or not to renew with the London club.

Messi's Displeasure with Rumors about his Possible Return to FC Barcelona

According to El Chiringuito, neither Messi nor his close circle have liked the way the topic of his return has been treated in the public opinion. Without a concrete offer on the table to present to the player, and without LaLiga's approval of the viability plan, the Camp Nou offices are confident about the success of the negotiations.

"The Messi's do not want a repetition of the renewal situation where the blame seemed to be on Leo", it was said on El Chiringuito in reference to the fear of the PSG forward that the negotiations will not succeed, as happened in the European summer of 2021.