Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is targeting the return of Lionel Messi and the signing of a defensive midfielder this summer.
Messi, 35, will play his final game for Paris Saint-Germain this weekend, with his contract expiring at the end of June, and Xavi has not hidden his desire to bring the forward back to the Catalan club.
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Xavi said recently he expects a decision from Messi next week, with a club in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami also reported to be options.
Replacing captain Sergio Busquets, who will not renew his contract at the club, is another task facing Barca ahead of next season, with ESPN previously revealing Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves and Sofyan Amrabat have all been considered.
“The priorities are very clear, I would really like Messi to return,” Xavi said in a news conference ahead of Barca’s final LaLiga game of the season away at Celta Vigo on Sunday.
“[Messi] knows that and I have spoken with him. From there, Leo aside, the other priority is a midfielder [to replace Busquets] in the ideal scenario.
“I can’t give names really, but the club know my priorities and also the targets. I have been very clear. There are names and positions are in place depending on different scenarios.”
