Lionel Messi might leave F.C.Barcelona during this summer transfer window. Many clubs are in line to sign the Barcelona legend. Even though it is not yet official that Messi might leave the club, but the rumors are stronger than ever. Many trusted sources have confirmed that Lionel Messi is on his way out of Spain to join another club. Although, no player in the world can replace someone like Lionel Messi. However, which players are the possible candidates that can come close to replace the Argentine at Barcelona.
Bernardo Silva
Lionel Messi is heavily linked with the English club Manchester City. They are the favorites to sign Messi from Barcelona. Messi can reunite with his former manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. In exchange for Lionel Messi, Manchester City can pay the transfer amount and also include few players in the deal. One of them us the Portuguese international Bernardo Silva.
The 26 years old, Bernardo Silva has played as a right-winger for most of his career so far. However, he also likes to play in a free role as a Number 10. Manchester City signed Bernardo Silva from Monaco at a transfer fee of £43.5 million in 2017. Since then he has been an important part of Manchester City’s domestic success in recent years. Yet he is not a regular player in the playing XI. This is because of Manchester City’s immense squad depth and Pep Guardiola likes to rotate his squad often. Bernardo Silva has scored 30 goals and provided 35 assists in his 156 appearances for the club. If Messi makes his move to Manchester City, Bernardo Silva can replace him at Barcelona.
Jadon Sacho
Jadon Sancho, just 20 years of age has taken Bundesliga by storm since his debut in the competition. He made his debut in 2017 for the German club Borussia Dortmund. Sancho was heavily linked to join Manchester United this summer. However, the deal was off. Now he is one of the strong candidates to replace Lionel Messi at F.C.Barcelona.
F.C.Barcelona spent a huge amount of money to buy Borussia Dortmund’s youngster Ousmane Dembele to replace Neymar Jr. They bought him for record joint second most expensive signing at that time. However, Ousmane Dembele has struggled with injury throughout his career at Barcelona. Although, it will be a different case with Sancho. He has made 99 appearances for Borussia Dortmund in which he has scored 34 goals and provided 43 assists. Jadon Sancho is a perfect right-winger who also tracks back in defense. Similar to Ousmane Dembele, F.C.Barcelona will be ready to spend big money on Jadon Sancho.
Ansu Fati
It is too early for Barcelona to put their trust in Ansu Fati, but what a season he has had. He was just 16 years old when he made his debut for one of the best clubs in the history of football. Although Ansu Fati has only made 24 appearances for Barcelona in all La Liga since his debut, he has scored 7 goals and has 1 assist to his name.
Lionel Messi is a Barcelona academy player, so is Ansu Fati. How great it will be for Barcelona to get another player similar to Messi of great potential. If Ansu Fati can develop himself he can definitely become a regular starter at Barcelona. Again it is very early for Barcelona to put their faith in Ansu Fati, but if they can use him right, he surely can become one of the best.
Paulo Dybala
The Argentine has similar style of playing as his international teammate Lionel Messi. The small agile, left footed dribbler has a very similar playing style to that of Messi. Barcelona would love to have him in their team if Lionel Messi leaves the club. However, despite having similar style, he is inconsistent in front of the goal. When he plays good, he probably is one of the best attacking player, but he needs to be more consistent.
Paulo Dybala has played 228 games for Juventus in all competitions scoring 95 goals for the club and providing 38 assists. He mostly plays as a right-winger but can also play as an attacking midfielder. He will fit perfectly in the squad for Barcelona.
Neymar Jr
The only player who comes closer in terms of talent and skills possessed by Lionel Messi would be his former teammate and ex-Barcelona star Neymar Jr. Although, he plays on the left-wing, when he is given the free role, he is lethal. Neymar had a wonderful four years at Barcelona. The chemistry between him, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were undoubtedly one of the best. Barcelona will fancy their chance to bring him back to the club as soon as Messi leaves.
Neymar in his four years run at Barcelona played 186 games and was involved in 182 goals, scoring 105 times and providing 77 assists. Whereas for Paris Saint-Germain, he has missed many games due to injury. However, he has astonishing 70 goals and 41 assists in 80 appearances for the club. This year he helped Paris Saint-Germain reach their first-ever UEFA Champions League Final. Although they lost the final to Bayern Munich, it was a great accomplishment for the cub. If Paris Sanit-Germain is ready to sell Neymar Jr, Barcelona surely will be keen on bringing him back to Camp Nou.
