The January transfer window could turn out to be a blockbuster of sorts, and also showcase the unexpected, according to reports surfacing in the British media. The revered MSN (Messi, Suarez, and Neymar) could actually come to an end at Barcelona if their financial state doesn't improve at the earliest.
British newspaper The Sun broke the news this week that the Catalan giants could be set for a huge financial meltdown soon, and only selling the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar can give them a stability financially.
And there is also the constant threat of suitors hovering over the trio from Premier League powerhouses. According to the report, Manchester City and Manchester United are looking to make an audacious bid worth £350 million for Messi and Neymar, respectively. While Man City has been linked with Messi all year, Neymar has caught the attention of Man United.
Suarez could also be sold if he receives the right price from a suitor.
While Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said time and again the star players would not be sold by any means, former president Joan Laporta beged to differ. "The best solution is to sell a great player," he said in October citing the club's worrying financial situation. "There is talk of a proposal from Man United. But that is because of the mismanagement of the current leadership.
"Messi will never leave Barca. He is part of our emblem and our heart. I received many proposals when I was president. Notably Inter, who wanted to pay his release clause, but I always refused.
"For Neymar, it's different. The economic situation of the club is not good. The current president must sell players or assets to balance the books," said Laporta.
The combined wage bill of the Barca staff — players and coaches — is 73% of the total revenue of the team. Not only that, there is still no sponsor agreed for the club for next season as well, as negotiations with Qatar Airways have reportedly stalled. Barca even made losses despite winning the UEFA Champions League last season, following bonus payments to players and staff.
If that seems to take the expenses list for the club to the zenith, we haven't mentioned the La Liga and European champions also planning a £423-million renovation of their stadium.
Financially, Barca are legitimately down and out, and it remains to be seen whether any of their revered trio is making an exit from the Camp Nou as early as the start of 2016, when the transfer window opens for a month.
