Lionel Messi wants to leave Barcelona ‘now’ claims expert
Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona has become the hottest topic of the transfer window. Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United have all been linked the 33-year-old. So Express Sport will now take a look at the latest information regarding the Argentina international’s next move.
Messi has spent nearly two decades at the Barcelona - which makes his decision to seek a move away from the club all the more shocking.
Yet Sport say the 33-year-old’s mind is made up and that there’s no going back for him now.
Messi feels he can leave Barcelona on a free transfer due to a clause in his contract - but the Catalan giants insist the clause has expired.
But, whatever happens, he wants out.
The Argentina international is seeking an amicable move away from Catalonia this summer, determined to avoid a saga and dragging Barcelona through the courts.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
According to La Liga expert Guillem Balague, Manchester City are currently frontrunners in the race to secure Messi’s signature.
And that’s despite PSG contacting his father, Jorge Messi, to explore the possibility of a blockbuster move to the Parc des Princes.
“If we are talking percentages then Manchester City are very much in the driving seat to be Lionel Messi's next club,” he wrote for BBC Sport.
“Paris St-Germain have been in touch with Messi's dad, his agent, again about the possibility of signing the Barcelona captain, who submitted a transfer request on Tuesday.
“And, perhaps most intriguingly of all, Juventus are now looking at the hugely unlikely scenario of organising some very daring financial deals and sponsorships that could see Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing together for the first time.
“What a mouth-watering prospect that would be. But it is also close to impossible.”
Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles has warned Premier League defenders that Messi will cause the plenty of issues if he leaves Barcelona for England.
He said: “Hopefully Messi comes to the English League. Wherever he goes he is going to wreak havoc. If he comes to the Premier League, his success is guaranteed.
“Messi is a very special player, whether he plays a little better or worse. He is in another category – like Diego Maradona and Pele.
“The Premier League has players from all over the world and it is No 1 one in terms of quality of teams and money.
“But the when the best in the world comes, the league is in for a very big shock. Messi will make the league even more important.”