Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati plans as Barcelona look to future
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo has revealed plans by Bartomeu to offer their Argentina star a contract that keeps him with the club past 2030.
Following the news being revealed that Lionel Messi can choose to leave FC Barcelona at the end of each season, as long as he intimates it to the club before May, Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit back at suggestions that it could happen in 2020, according to Catalan media.
Messi: Barça or America
Mundo Deportivo's Sunday edition highlights Barça's plan as the board look to offer Messi a lifelong or, at least, ten-year contract to create a mutual commitment from both parties.
They assure the blaugrana fans that the club's hierarchy is relaxed about the situation and that there is no doubt about Messi continuing with the LaLiga champions, and no hurry to get him to sign this new contract. Messi's current deal expires in June 2021. The report adds that Jorge Messi, the player's father, and Bartomeu maintain an excellent relationship.
If Messi did decide to go in search of a new adventure away from the Camp Nou before his playing days are over, Mundo state that he would not choose to play for another European club. Instead, a short stint in the MLS may prove to be of interest or, alternatively, a sentimental and symbolic return to Newell Old Boy's, his childhood club.
Ansu's three point plan
Across town in the annuls of Catalonia's other main outlet, Sport, the focus is on shining starlet, Anssumane "Ansu" Fati. The 16-year old has burst onto the scene in the opening games of this season and the newspaper is clear that Barça want to ensure that he is very much part of the long-term future of the Camp Nou.
There three key points, highlighted on the front page and then delved into within the paper. Firstly, the club are happy to take a punt on someone so young as he is already seen as a first team player. Next, protection is key, and they want to carefully manage the media explosion that has been seen over Fati. Third, it's all about keeping things calm, ensuring that both the player and his family can enjoy a relatively normal life, all things considered.
There is no doubt that the eyes of the world will be watching, although with Barça's top stars looking to return to action following the international break, it's likely that the youngster will be seeing minimal pitch time as his development continues.