Lionel Messi has three valid reasons to leave Barcelona for Manchester City next season. The 33-year-old’s contract runs out next summer at Camp Nou
Lately, there has been a lot of talk regarding Lionel Messi of Barcelona signing for Manchester City this winter transfer window. It is highly unlikely that Messi would complete a move to the Etihad this winter as Barca prefers to keep the 33-year-old until next summer rather than cashing in on him now as his contract is set to expire.
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Messi was close to signing for Manchester City earlier this season, however, Josep Maria Bartomeu blocked the move. The former president made it clear that if the South American is to be sold then his hefty release clause worth 700 million euros has to be met. In other words, the board blocked the move.
Although Barca are more than likely to hold onto Messi this winter, the same cannot be said for next summer. Leo Messi will be a free agent next season and can start negotiating terms with other clubs from January onwards.
The 33-year-old has not been at his best this season for Barca and that is quite visible given his performance lately. In fact, the captain seems to be rather tired and frustrated with the whole situation at the club and even stated that he is tired of always being targeted as a problem at the club.
Having said that, here are three valid reasons why Messi will leave Barcelona for Manchester City next summer.