Lionel Messi transfer row: Barcelona could target Everton star

If Lionel Messi does depart from Barcelona, the Catalans will begin a massive charge to fill the gap to some extent and can target Everton talisman Richarlison.

In a shocking transfer window, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has asked to leave the club after the failure to identify a proper sporting project that has caused carnage at the club over the past three years, especially in the Champions League.

I could have never imagined Lionel Messi leaving FC Barcelona but then again its 2020 and nothing can be ruled out. The 33 year old thinks it’s the end of a cycle and wants to move but the Barcelona board is adamant to keep him.

If Messi does depart with whispers of Manchester City being his preferred destination, Barcelona faces an uphill task to replace the Argentine. Let’s be frank, no player is ever going to come close to replicating what Messi has done over the past 15 years.

However, an effort must be made and Barcelona will have look at ways to bring players that can provide some stability to the club. Goal mentioned Memphis Depay as one of the many targets Barcelona is chasing. There’s a high probability that Richarlison will be on their shopping list.

Back in the January transfer window, as per Sky Sports, Everton rejected an £85 million bid from Barcelona for Richarlison. The Catalans have been tracking the 23 year old for a long time and feel that he can bring the young blood to the club.

According to the Mirror, Everton have now slapped a massive price tag of £143 million on Richarlison. Any club willing to acquire his services this summer transfer window will have to adhere to Everton’s demands.

The Toffees are adamant to keep their talisman at Goodison Park as they launch a fresh challenge for European football under Carlo Ancelotti. The club has already taken baby steps towards their ultimate goal by signing Allan and James Rodriguez from Napoli and Real Madrid respectively.

If Messi does exit Blaugrana, Richarlison will be a hot discussion among the board members at Camp Nou. Neymar is certainly determined to stay at PSG and repeat the Champions League final run, albeit with the aim to win it this time. So with chances of Neymar’s return to Barcelona ruled out, the Catalans may focus on bringing players like Depay and Richarlison.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Richarlison is never a direct replacement to a colossal player like Lionel Messi but he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world. The Brazilian also fired a warning of sorts to the Royal Blues that he will stay for one year but if things don’t improve he will start considering offers that arrive.

And Richarlison is not wrong, it doesn’t mean that he’ll be rushing towards the exit door as soon as someone comes with a mouth-watering monetary package.

This means that he is an ambitious player who just wants to play top quality football. Last season, Everton dipped into the waters of mediocrity and if things don’t improve soon, there will be more talented players at Finch Farm having the same narrative.

Everton to Barcelona at the moment is just a fantasy but can soon turn into reality should Lionel Messi leave Camp Nou.