September 2 – Lionel Messi is reported to be edging closer to appearing in the English Premier League with cash-rich Manchester City.
Messi failed to show up for Barcelona training on Monday evening, the first session under new head coach Ronald Koeman, fuelling speculation that he is on his way out to link up again with former boss Pep Guardiola.
The 33-year-old six-times world player of the year insists he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave on a free transfer – a claim disputed by Barcelona which appears to be the sticking point in any move.
The club and La Liga counter that the only way a club can sign the Argentine superstar, Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 634 goals in 731 games who has a year left on his contract, is if he triggers a release clause worth hundreds of millions of euros.
Messi’s decision to leave Barca came after they failed to win any silverware last season, culminating in that humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
City’s owners are reportedly ready to offer a mind-blowing £450million over five years to secure the services of Messi – the only player who, at his age, could possibly be offered such terms. Spanish media say that amount could include Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Eric Garcia going in the opposite direction.
It has also been suggested Messi would play for City for three years until the age of 36, then switch to sister club New York City to finish his career. Whatever his salary at City, it is expected to make him the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
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