After nearly twenty years at the club, it looks like Lionel Messi might actually leave Barcelona and look for new beginnings elsewhere!
The footballing world was shocked on Tuesday night when it was revealed that Lionel Messi had actually asked to leave Barcelona. Every year there are rumours of this happening but nothing actually comes of it.
Well, it seems Messi has now had enough and the 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich probably made his decision. Barca haven’t been the same dominant force in Europe they were since Neymar left. They have an ageing squad and their signings such as Griezmann haven’t always had the desired impact.
So, On Tuesday night Messi sent a FAX over to the club saying he wishes to leave the club. In his contract, he has a clause that says he can leave for free at the end of any season. This sent social media into meltdown as no one could believe this was happening and everyone was guessing where he’d go if he actually left!
Barcelona, however, are saying they have a €700 million buy out clause in the contract and would even still expect a fee to break that of Neymars €220 million to PSG. On top of that is Messi’s wages, he reportedly earns near €600,000 per week! So if he did actually leave, where could he go and who could afford him?
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Lionel Messi Next Club Odds (Paddy Power)
Odds correct to the day of publishing.
Not to sign or agree a contract with any other club – 8/11
We’ve heard this before that Messi wants out and what usually follows is some huge change at the club. Messi is arguably the most powerful man at the club and if he wants something he usually gets it. He and the chairman arent the best of friends and this could just be a way of getting him out. After all Messi has said many times he would love to finish his career at Barca.
Man City – 5/4
A club that Messi has always been linked to is Man City. His former manager Pep Guardiola is in charge who he regards as the best manager he ever worked for. One of Messi’s closest friends also plays for Man City, Sergio Aguero. On top of this City are one of the richest clubs in the world and aren’t afraid of spending big on players. Joining City would give Messi a huge opportunity to win the Premier League.
Inter Milan – 17/2
Inter have been dormant for many years but over the past two seasons, they seem to be on their way back. They have made some big signings in Eriksen, Lukaku and others as they look to close the gap on Juventus. Last season Inter finished just one point behind Juve and brining in Messi would surely close that gap. He would cost them a lot but Inter has great backing in the financial market. Plus, it would bring huge attraction to Inter as we would get to see Messi vs Ronaldo again!
PSG – 14/1
Now when you think of money, you think of PSG. The club spend it like no one else in Europe and have broken the world transfer record twice of €200 and €220 million! PSG are desperate to win the Champions League, especially after missing out to Bayern in the final. They could afford to break the transfer record again as well as sign Messi. Also, Barca have been keen to bring back Neymar so could he be included in a deal which see’s the players go opposite ways?
Man United – 14/1
One of the more suprising names linked with a move to sign Messi is Man United. They aren’t the force in Europe they once were but they are still one of the biggest clubs in the world, bigger than any of the above clubs! Due to this, United have great financial power. They could afford Messi and would make it back in shirt sales alone. Ronaldo made himself a Man United legend, could Messi go and do the same by taking the club back to the top?
