Lionel Messi linked with a Barcelona exit. City believes they could have a chance to land the superstar in a huge transfer after 10 years of interest.
City’s hierarchy has always been eager to bring Barcelona’s Lionel Messi to the Premier League. The Argentine has linked with a surprise switch to the Premier League after 16 years in Barcelona’s first team.
The 32-year-old Nou Camp future is up in the air following a public spat with Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal. Abidal claimed the players did not work hard enough under Ernesto Valverde who was sacked in January.
Messi spoke out against his former team-mate on social media. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner demanded Abidal name players specifically. He also insisted “the heads of the sports department have to take their responsibilities too and above all own the decisions they make.”
Barca held an emergency meeting with Abidal on Wednesday. After two hours of talks, they agreed the Frenchman would keep his position.
Yet, with Messi he is able to exercise a clause in his contract. The clause allows him to leave Barca for nothing this coming summer, his future is cause for debate.
Despite City’s wait for over a decade for a chance to land the GOAT in the Premier League, the chances are slim.
City came close to signing Messi in 2016 before he signed his most recent contract extension shortly before they secured Guardiola as their new manager.
It is claimed Messi personally called Guardiola ahead of his first season with City to declare his desire to play for him again. But after preparing their finances for a move, the club was unable to land the Argentinian.
Now, City is “dreaming” of one last chance to land Messi.