Barcelona want Lionel Messi to become the new Michael Jordan as they plan for his sensational transfer return

BARCELONA reportedly want to re-sign Lionel Messi and make him the "new Michael Jordan".

The Argentinian legend left the club for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

But the World Cup winner is supposedly unhappy in France and with his contract expiring there at the end of the season, he wants to return to Barca on a free transfer.

The LaLiga side are keen on his return from an on and off the pitch perspective.

report that Barcelona chiefs believe the return of Messi could contribute to 25 per cent of the club's revenue next year.

Some even believe the boom in the sales of tickets and merchandise along with cash injections from sponsors could be worth 33 per cent of turnover.

They are confident that the financial impact could be bigger than the boost the Chicago Bulls received when Michael Jordan came out of retirement in 1995 for a second spell with the team.

Barca are also looking to help play a major part in building the "Messi brand" and they have drawn comparisons to the American's "Air Jordan" venture with Nike.

Xavi supposedly talks to the player regularly and is looking forward to Messi's own "Last Dance".

He is set to be offered a two-year contract by the club.

BETTING SPECIAL - BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK

Barcelona are desperate for a financial boost with the club under orders from LaLiga to balance their books.

They have been effectively placed under a transfer ban and may need to recoup £178million via player sales.

The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele have all been linked with moves to the Premier League.