As Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona and looks set to sign for PSG, he takes with him a legacy which has inspired a legion of lesser-known players who have been compared, often against their will, to the 34-year-old. Photo: Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
Lionel Messi’s transfer options after requesting to leave Barcelona
Hours after Lionel Messi handed in his transfer request at Barcelona, we take a look at who’s leading the race to sign the superstar
As Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona and looks set to sign for PSG, he takes with him a legacy which has inspired a legion of lesser-known players who have been compared, often against their will, to the 34-year-old. Photo: Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
After arriving at Barcelona at the tender age of 13, Lionel Messi has become part and parcel of the furniture at the Camp Nou. It’s almost impossible to imagine a Barcelona side without their star attacker. Do we have begin imagining it though?
Lionel Messi shocked the entire world on Tuesday after requesting to leave Barcelona with immediate effect. The 33-year-old who has been the catalyst behind 33 major titles in 16-years at the club handed in his transfer request via fax following Barcelona’s underwhelming season.
Lionel Messi’s release clause
Lionel Messi’s release clause is set at a staggering €700 million however the Argentine has another clause allowing him to leave at the end of every season for free. Yes, you’ve read that correctly, Messi is looking to trigger his free-release but Barcelona are arguing that this particular clause is invalid due to the exceptional circumstances.
The European off-season under normal circumstances runs between mid-May until the end of July however due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2019/20 season only came to a close last week. Should Messi leave the club, potential suitors are likely to have to cough up a huge transfer fee.
Who’s leading the race to land Lionel Messi?
Manchester City
Lionel Messi has reportedly identified Manchester City as his preferred next destination. Manchester City hold two trump cards, the first of which being Messi’s former mentor Pep Guardiola. Guardiola and Messi enjoyed their best years together and a reunion will be tempting for both parties. City are also not shy to break the bank on new signings and will definitely be amongst the highest bidders should a bidding war erupt.
Paris Saint-Germain
Following the Ligue 1 side’s UEFA Champions League heartbreak, Paris Saint-Germain will definitely be tempted to lure Messi to the French capital. Like Manchester City, PSG also have the financial muscle to compete in a bidding war. Neymar may also be a factor in the move with Lionel Messi already expressing his deepest desire to reunite with the Brazilian superstar at Barcelona over the past two seasons.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan have already openly expressed their desire to land Lionel Messi in the past. Inter have also showed great intent in strengthening their squad ahead of next season and the final piece to their puzzle may very well be the Barcelona superstar. Messi moving to the Serie A will also reignite his historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Newell’s Old Boys
Messi may very well opt for a return home to Newell’s Old Boys. At the age of 33, Messi shows no sign of slowing down however given the nature of his contractual situation at Barcelona, the attacker may very well be given to a team outside of Europe by Barcelona for a fraction of his release clause.
Manchester United, Inter Miami and a surprise high-money move to Asia has also been reported on during the past 24-hours. Messi could also remain at Barcelona with the current board set to be dissolved and a new era scheduled to begin at the club. It’s no doubt that Barcelona fans will be praying for the new reign to begin with Lionel Messi around.
