Man City Square
Fansided

Manchester City may have a chance to sign Barcelona ace

By Zoheb Alam

The covers of newspapers inform on Argentinian forward Lionel Messi's wish to leave FC Barcelona, on August 26, 2020, in Barcelona. - Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi told Barcelona he wants to leave -- on a free transfer -- in a "bombshell" fax yesterday that is expected to spark a legal battle over a buy-out clause worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Signalling the end of an era at Barcelona, where Messi is the record scorer and has won four Champions League titles, the disgruntled Argentine wants to terminate his contract "unilaterally" by triggering a release clause, a source told AFP. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
The covers of newspapers inform on Argentinian forward Lionel Messi's wish to leave FC Barcelona, on August 26, 2020, in Barcelona. - Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi told Barcelona he wants to leave -- on a free transfer -- in a "bombshell" fax yesterday that is expected to spark a legal battle over a buy-out clause worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Signalling the end of an era at Barcelona, where Messi is the record scorer and has won four Champions League titles, the disgruntled Argentine wants to terminate his contract "unilaterally" by triggering a release clause, a source told AFP. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester City are on the verge of signing some of the big names of Europe. With the Sky Blues being tipped to sign both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane after the conclusion of Euros, the club also has a chance to bring this “free agent” to Etihad this summer.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has now officially become a free agent after the expiry of his contract. The Argentine ace is now free to negotiate with other clubs and hence can decide to choose a new destination this summer.

Almost  a year ago, the 34-year-old forward was tipped to leave the Camp Nou after he had sent fax to his club saying that he wanted to leave the team and had wished to exercise his clause in his contract which would eventually see him leave for “free”.

However,Messi’s proposal was harshly rejected by the Blaugrana as the club demanded a transfer fee of around 643 million pounds. This staggering valuation had simply dented the Argentine’s chance to opt for a switch and therefore was forced to stay for another stint.

The Barcelona superstar had another fine outing in front of the goal last season as he scored 30 league goals but unfortunately was not able to lift the La Liga title for his team. The Catalan club did manage to win the Copa Del Ray after thrashing Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in the finals of the competition.

Messi,34,is currently away on international duty for the ongoing Copa America competition.The superstar forward is now in contention to start against Ecuador in the quarterfinals and is hoping to go all the way to lift this prestigious trophy on 10th July.

More from Man City Editorials

So should Messi leave Camp Nou for Manchester City?

Messi has always been a loyal servant to his club. Barring a few misunderstandings, we can still say that the Argentine is dedicated to the club. However, the problem is that the present Barcelona squad does not have much to offer to their legendary icon. Despite signing quality stars like Aguero and Depay, the Catalan club still lacks the depth and skill to challenge for the ‘all-important’ Champions League title.

Looking at City’s prospect, we can safely assume that they have been truly superior than their competitors. The Cityzens have played like “champions” and for a matter of fact have almost been in touching distance to achieving perfection.

At Etihad,Messi has a chance to reunite with his old boss Pep Guardiola who himself would love to join forces if he is given the opportunity to do so.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 08: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during a match between Argentina and Ecuador as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on October 08, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 08: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during a match between Argentina and Ecuador as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on October 08, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) /

“Free” Messi has a decision to make in the next few days. So what will it be?

Sources have pointed out that the Argentine ace is likely to stay at Barcelona this summer. Club President Joan Laporta has also claimed that he is in talks with the superstar and is hopeful to retain the forward this summer.This is almost an indication that Messi might opt to stay  for another stint at Camp Nou.

Football is  an unpredictable sport and therefore it won’t be wise to simply rule out a move for the Barcelona legend. The prospect of trying “something new” can well entice the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to seek a move to England.

Can Manchester City sign the “best player” in the world?

Do give your opinion in the comments.

Next. Manchester City key summer target said to be pushing for a move this summer. dark