According to reports, Lionel Messi has finalized an agreement in principle to join Manchester City, although issues with Barcelona remain.
If Lionel Messi can find a way out of Barcelona, it appears he is set to join Manchester City. Following numerous reports that the player was working on a contract with City, the latest news is that the two sides have reached a quick agreement.
Now, the pressure switches to Barcelona. The player wants to leave and has agreed a contract, so if they do not let him go now, it will appear as if they are holding him hostage at the club. The Catalan club’s course of action in the coming days is critical, but I believe to honor everything Messi has done for the club they should honor his request and allow him to leave for free.
Given City’s other needs in the transfer window, a fee could be problematic, especially if they are to get a Kalidou Koulibaly deal over the line as well. Messi is rumored to speak publicly about his desire to leave and the reasons behind the decision in the coming days, which should apply pressure on the club’s board to display some goodwill and let their best ever player leave on his own terms.
Direct and public involvement from Messi himself gives City leverage in any negotiation, and the club will hope to get the deal done on their terms to keep the door open for other signings this window. If the deal is completed, next season could look radically different for City. This club has never had a player the quality of Messi, in my view the best to ever play, and could also add a revolutionary piece in defense in Koulibaly.
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City will immediately become favorites in just about every competition, and Messi will be determined to prove he can be a star outside of Barcelona, and I believe he will succeed. He has not played in a team of this quality since his last Champions League win in 2015, so I believe a Premier League title, Golden Boot, and Champions League are all on the cards for Messi this season.
This is a massive moment in City’s history and could be the turning point after so many European disappointments. Messi and City have a common goal; to win the Champions League. Messi and Guardiola have a history of doing it, and while it will not be easy, it could be a special moment for both player and club as the greatest of all time continues his story on new shores. We’re still a long way from him holding up the shirt, but things are progressing as hoped.