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#3 Neymar
The only reason Neymar is not at the very top of this list is that Paris Saint-Germain would never let its enigmatic magician go for a price that is currently affordable to Barcelona. At his best, Neymar is arguably the only player in the world that can create the aura that Lionel Messi has made his own over the past decade.
Neymar was instrumental to Paris Saint-Germain's brilliant run in the Champions League this season. The Brazilian winger does not share a good relationship with Barcelona's board, however, and will think twice before returning to the Camp Nou. Barcelona can still use the funds raised from Lionel Messi's sale to convince its former superstar to make a storied return to the club.
Neymar was touted as the rightful heir to Lionel Messi's throne when he joined the club in 2013 and certainly played the part during Barcelona's treble-winning campaign in 2015. While there are several roadblocks that need to be removed to complete this transfer, Barcelona is perfectly aware that Neymar's return is still within the realm of possibility.
#2 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has endured a difficult first season at Barcelona. The French striker has put in an incredible amount of hard work but the mere fact that he has not played in his preferred position has resulted in a string of failures at Barcelona. With Lionel Messi's role up for grabs, the Frenchman may arguably be Barcelona's best bet at the moment.
Griezmann has all the attributes required to play a creative role at Barcelona. The French forward often plays in conjunction with a typical poacher for his national team and did wonders at Atletico Madrid in a central and pivotal role. Antoine Griezmann may not have the skill and dribbling prowess of Lionel Messi but his intelligence in the final third can be a lethal asset.
Barcelona paid a hefty price for Antoine Griezmann and may finally be able to bring the best out of the French striker. Griezmann has shown glimpses of his sheer talent alongside Lionel Messi for Barcelona this season and will look forward to taking up a more influential role in the side.
#1 Paulo Dybala
Barcelona's tryst with Argentine number-tens is well-documented. The likes of Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme, and Lionel Messi have graced the Camp Nou with their magic and while Lionel Messi is leagues above the rest in a Barcelona shirt, Paulo Dybala can potentially be his successor at the Catalan club.
When Dybala first made his mark for Juventus in 2015, fans in Argentine considered him a worthy reincarnation of Lionel Messi. While his career may not have reached the heights that it promised, Dybala is still an excellent asset to have in the side and his recent performances with Juventus have indicated that the magical forward is finally coming of age.
Paulo Dybala has been linked with a move away from the Serie A and Lionel Messi's departure might pave the way for an unprecedented transfer to Barcelona. The Catalan club is in dire need of stability and youthful talent at the moment and Paulo Dybala may well be the ideal fit.
Also Read: 5 things Barcelona must do if they lose Lionel Messi
