FC Barcelona must have negotiated a new contract with Lionel Messi in place before the Spanish transfer window closes on 31 August. Otherwise, according to reports, the Argentine superstar can only make a comeback when the next transfer window opens in January.
Barcelona have already sold and loaned out a large number of younger players in an effort to reduce salary costs so that there can once again be room for Messi on the team. However, several of the club's highest paid players, who have even refused a pay cut are still on the team in Barcelona.
Sergio Busquets earns €12 million a year, Jordi Alba earns €10 million a year, and Sergi Roberto earns €8 million a year. This trio has refused to go down in salary, which is why Barca are currently looking for other options to lower players wages.
The most likely scenario is apparently a farewell to the equally paid Antoine Griezmann, who may be on his way back to Atlético Madrid. The two big clubs have reportedly negotiated a swap deal with Saúl Ñíguez, but those negotiations have so far stalled.