Lionel Messi ‘seriously considering Barcelona future’ after failed transfer window, with Manchester City lurking
The 30-year-old has yet to pen a new deal with Ernesto Valverde's side after a frustrating summer of recruitment
LIONEL MESSI could be set for a shock Barcelona exit with the forward seriously considering his future.
The 30-year-old is wanted by Manchester City, and has grown frustrated after a failed transfer window in Catalonia.
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Barca sold Neymar for a world-record fee of £198million to Paris Saint-Germain, as his formidable partnership with Messi and Luis Suarez was torn apart.
The Copa del Rey champions swiftly brought in Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele to be his replacement for a club-record fee of £138m.
But they failed to lure a host of targets over to La Liga in what was a disappointing summer for boss Ernesto Valverde.
The club were vying to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, but were knocked back repeatedly by the Reds.
They were also determined to acquire the services of Hector Bellerin, Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria and Jean Seri, but all stayed with their respective clubs.
Messi has not yet penned a new deal with Barcelona, with the club worried their prized asset could move on.
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However, club director Albert Soler remains confident he will sign on the dotted line, he said: "Soon. When we say soon, it means soon. I want to send this message to those who may be worried.
“Announcement comes after the agreement is signed off by both parties. The only thing missing is this formal act.
"There is absolutely no problem where Messi is concerned.
“There is no problem, I insist, it will happen soon. It depends on the agendas, from here I want to send a message of tranquillity to the Barcelona members. Please be calm.”
While former star Xavi has criticised Barcelona's poor transfer window, claiming the club have fallen asleep.
When asked whether Messi could be tactically stalling over a contract to force the club to sign top players, he said: "I don't think he has done that, but it would be within his rights."
