Barcelona could allegedly ask their entire squad to take a pay cut in order to boost their chances of re-signing Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
La Blaugrana's well-documented economic concerns forced Messi to bid a tearful farewell to the club in 2021, but he is being linked with a sensational return just two years later.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could leave PSG as a free agent at the end of the season, although the Ligue 1 champions still possess the option to extend his deal until 2024.
During the World Cup, the signs were seemingly pointing towards Messi and PSG agreeing a renewal, but there has since been growing uncertainty surrounding his future in Paris.
The 35-year-old's entourage have denied claims that he is leaning towards a summer exit, but Barcelona are just one of a number of teams lining up to present extortionate offers.
© Reuters
Barca's vice president Rafa Yuste has revealed that contact is ongoing with Messi's camp over a possible return, but La Blaugrana must significantly reduce their wage bill to facilitate an audacious reunion.
While balancing the books through player sales should be Barcelona's first port of call, Relevo claims that a salary reduction across the board is also an option.
The report states that the La Liga leaders must trim their wage costs by as much as €180m (£158.2m) if they are to return to the one-to-one rule, where they can spend one euro for every one that is saved, as opposed to the 1/4 rule.
Talks have supposedly already been held with the men's first team over a collective pay cut, although some wages could also be deferred for players who are under contract beyond 2024.
In the case of players who could become free agents next summer - including Ousmane Dembele, Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto - Barca would simply ask them to accept a straight salary decrease for the final year of their deals.
© Reuters
Barcelona are not alone in their efforts to prise Messi away from Paris, though, as clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS also harbour ambitions of making the Argentina international their marquee signing.
Al-Hilal are believed to be working on a contract which would see Messi pocket an astonishing €400m (£351.4m) per year, making him the highest-paid player in the world ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Messi is believed to want to remain in Europe at all costs due to his desire to continue in the Champions League - a competition both Barca and PSG are well-placed to qualify for.
The World Cup-winning attacker has 29 goals and 32 assists to show from 67 games in a PSG jersey, racking up 18 strikes and 17 assists from 33 outings in the current campaign.
Prior to arriving in Paris, Messi left Barcelona as their record goalscorer and appearance-maker of all time with 672 goals from 778 appearances across all competitions.
Ben Knapton
