Barcelona are struggling to keep hold of Messi as with every passing day, his transfer to Manchester City looks likelier and likelier.
Lionel Messi has been linked with leaving Barcelona ever since the club was drubbed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. What initially seemed like an act from the media turned into reality as the player indeed requested to leave the club. However, he was held hostage by Josep Maria Bartomeu for at least until next summer.
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Manchester City have relentlessly pursued the Argentina international’s services and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League. With that said, they have confirmed that they will have a second bite at the cherry in 2021. In January, the Citizens can approach Messi over a pre-contract agreement and such a move is surely on the cards.
According to reports, Messi has now made two crucial demands which could make or break his transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Fortunately for the Citizens, they would not be too difficult to live up to. The first is that Pep Guardiola renews his stay at the club, while the second is that compatriot Sergio Aguero follows suit in signing an extension too.
Pep Guardiola’s contract at the club expires in June 2021. The 49-year-old has remained cryptic when questioned about an extension of his contract but with Messi arriving, he may look to commit to his future. While the winger enjoyed incredible success under the coach at Barca, the Spaniard’s status also rocketed with Messi.
Sergio Aguero meanwhile is in the dusk of his career and the Premier League side is not entirely sure whether or not to renew his contract. Similar to what they did with some senior players in the past, a short-term offer might be on the cards and it may be more than enough to lure the 6-time Ballon d’Or winner into leaving Camp Nou.
Do you think Messi will leave Barca at the end of the 2020/21 season?