Liverpool outcast wanted by Barcelona to help fill Lionel Messi void

Barcelona could try to fill the void left by Lionel Messi by completing a shock move for one of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool outcasts, according to reports in the Spanish press. Messi devastatingly departed Barca in the summer when it became clear that the club’s huge debts would not allow him to sign a new contract. 

LaLiga rules prevent clubs from spending over a certain percentage of their turnover on their wage bill. 

The legendary forward’s contract expired at the end of June, technically making him a free agent. The registration rules prevented Messi from renewing his terms as he would have been classed as a new signing.  

It meant that the iconic forward had to leave the Blaugrana. He ended up at Paris Saint-Germain where he has not quite looked the same player, although a niggling injury has impacted his start.  

Barca have been left to deal with the wounds of losing their greatest ever player. They continued to struggle to register new players, with the likes of Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique accepting wage cuts.  

That allowed Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and former Newcastle flop Luuk De Jong to sign. 

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He has made four appearances this season and scored once – in the EFL Cup victory over Norwich City last month.  

The Sport report continues that Origi is on Barca’s list of targets but falls behind what would be an incredible move for former Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling.  

The England star has not been a major part of Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City this season and has publicly admitted that there have been discussions over where he fits in at the club. 

Also apparently on Barca’s list are Italy pair Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti.  

The Nou Camp side have endured a difficult start to the season under Koeman, who finds himself under serious pressure to improve their form.  

They have not won any of their last three matches and lost their opening two Champions League group stage fixtures 3-0 against Bayern Munich and Benfica.