News of Lionel Messi’s exit from Barcelona enters a third day with differing reports scrambling the the international media every few minutes, and several journalists have reported that Manchester City already have an agreement in place to sign the star and reunite him with Pep Guardiola.
Although much of the recent rumours have been coming from foreign sources, the Times claim Manchester City as being ‘optimistic’ in terms of their pursuit of Messi, saying that the club’s Chief Executive, Ferran Soriano, have made it clear they have the financial capabilities to conclude what would be a remarkable deal.
Graham Hunter told Podcast that, “Right now, we-re sitting at something like an 85-90% chance that he leaves”, as numerous people suggested that the 33 year old will remain resolute on his stance to leave, despite Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu making last ditch attempts to do all he can to to convince Messi to stay.
Veronica Brunati has reported that Manchester City have an agreement in numbers with Messi, and is providing a number of updates throughout the course of Thursday afternoon which have been summed up below:
– The key to negotiations between City and Barcelona is a player being included in a deal.
– Lionel Messi called Pep Guardiola and told him: “Money will not be a hindrance. I want to play for Manchester City.”
– Lionel Messi will not be leaving Barcelona for the money. Manchester City will not pay the same as Barca as it is the equivalent of what five current City players earn: Aguero, Laporte, De Bruyne, Sterling and Jesus.
– Manchester City are offering Lionel Messi an initial two-year contract, although the final details are yet to be agreed. City hope to be able to negotiate the terms of the transfer with Barcelona and include a player: Gabriel Jesus is valued at €100M.
– And finally: Jorge Messi will travel to Barcelona on Sunday.
Channel Cuatro have also similarly claimed that both Messi and City have an agreement and that City’s representatives will travel to Catalan to close the deal. Lucas Scagliola said that this rumored agreement was agreed “days ago” and that City have “everything ready” for Messi.
Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill says that Manchester City are the only team on the table for Messi, while TyC Soirts reported that French giants and Champions League runners-up PSG have emerged with a last minute offer – an offer which Manchester City couldn’t match due to Financial Fair Play regulations. PSG wouldn’t though have that “winning project” that Miquel Blazquez says Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have.
There has also been talk about which current Manchester City players could go the other way, if a deal is to be agreed for the Messi. It has come to light that Gabriel Jesus could be sacrificed, along with Eric Garcia – who has intentions to re-join the Catalan club in the near future. SPORT though have claimed that City would be willing to offer €100M, Bernardo Silva, Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus for the Argentinian.
Credit: Football Tribe Malaysia
