Lionel Messi considering a ‘fresh start’ at Manchester City next summer amid Barcelona unrest
Superstar can leave Nou Camp for FREE next summer and Etihad chiefs believe he could open new chapter in Manchester
LIONEL MESSI is seriously considering a ‘fresh start’ at Manchester City next summer.
Barca’s ace confided in Argentina team-mates about his future during the international break.
And Messi is torn over signing a new contract at the Nou Camp or beginning a new chapter in his career in Manchester.
Negotiations with Barca have been ongoing for 18 months but the deal remains unsigned.
City officials have met with Messi’s representatives on several occasions — making it clear they want him.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at Barca next summer and could sign for City in January and join for free in July.
City are understood to have offered a £40million signing-on fee and a five-year deal worth over £500,000 per week.
Messi has told friends he is unconvinced about Barca’s long-term plan after Neymar’s exit and the appointment of Ernesto Valverde as coach.
Political upheaval in Catalonia which followed the recent unofficial referendum vote has also forced Messi to consider his next career move.
It is understood that he is uncomfortable with the common assumption that he should champion the cause for Catalonian independence even though he’s not a Spanish citizen.
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Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, is believed to have agreed commercial and image rights contracts but they’re not binding unless Leo signs a new playing contract.
Pep Guardiola and City's hierarchy expect Messi to sign up to finish his career at the Nou Camp.
However there is also a feeling that if he was to move City could pull off arguably the biggest transfer of all time by recruiting Messi for free next summer.
And City hero Sergio Aguero says he would love to team up with his pal Messi at the Etihad.
Aguero said: “Money isn’t a problem here.
“I would love to have Leo on my team but it also seems quite complicated. Messi is like Ronaldo — they are players who are symbols of their clubs and it’s difficult for them to leave.”
