Jordi Cruyff: Leo Messi? It depends on him and on Financial Fair Play

Barcelona technical secretary Jordi Cruyff has commented on the club's attempts to re-sign Lionel Messi and admitted that the operation will depend on both the player himself and financial fair play rules.

The latest media speculation has Messi with one foot in the door at Saudi club Al Hilal, but Barcelona won't give up until there is ink on paper. Messi has insisted he will make a decision at the end of the season and the only apparent certainty is that he won't be at PSG next season.

It is worth remembering that, like Messi, Cruyff will also be leaving his current employer this summer. The son of the legendary Johan recently confirmed he will not be renewing his current contract with the Blaugrana.

Messi must decide

Cruyff was reluctant to talk about Messi at his press conference to discuss the current state of affairs at Barcelona.

"The answer is his. You know how this works. As things stand, it's down to him and will depend on financial fair play," said Cruyff.

"You need to ask him that question. Messi is playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he's still got a game left.

"If we don't like it when others talk players who are still competing, we're not going to do it ourselves. The decision is ultimately the player's."

A plan for Messi

When pushed, Cruyff again tried to sidestep, insisting that he wasn't part of the deal.

"You'd have to talk more to the people who are involved in the viability plan and with LaLiga," said Cruyff.

"If the club are trying [to sign Messi], it's because they can.

"When the player's contract expires..."

Cruyff also insisted that Barcelona have a promising squad already and highlighted its youthfulness. The average age will drop still more next season with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba departing.

"There's already a good squad," said Cruyff.

"There are very young players for the present and the future. A lot of work has been done.

"[The Barcelona squad] is one of the youngest among Europe's top teams."