Pranav Nair
Manchester United in contact with Lionel Messi over a summer switch
According to Spanish publication Sport (h/t Metro), the representatives of Lionel Messi have reached out to Manchester United over a potential transfer.
The Argentine superstar has created a storm after he handed in a transfer request to Barcelona yesterday. His actions come after the 8-2 humbling the Catalans received against Bayern Munich.
With the Catalans looking at a lengthy rebuild, the 33-year-old could find himself too old to reap its benefits. A move away will see his 20-year association with the club come to an end.
According to the report, United is not the only team in the mix for the Argentine. Ligue 1 champions PSG have also been sounded out regarding a prospective move.
There exists uncertainty regarding the terms of Messi’s contract at Barcelona. United for their part are willing to pay a transfer fee for the 33-year-old.
Messi had the opportunity to leave the club earlier this summer for free. However, this had to be enforced before July.
Messi failed to activate the clause, leading him to stay put at the Nou Camp. Barcelona for their part, see no reason why he should be able to leave for free.
A messy divorce?
The Argentine has a £700m release clause in his contract. Given his advanced age, the possibility of a team paying Barcelona that fee looks unlikely.
The Catalans are keen to keep hold of their prized asset. They could even take the player to court if he breaks what they feel is an expired clause. (h/t Metro)
Signing Messi will not be cheap. The Argentine currently earns £988,000-a-week at Barcelona. Matching it will see us shatter our wage structure.
According to the report, United are ready to do just that. Given how our deal for Sanchez went, the club will be wise to be more cautious.
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Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. The opportunity to sign someone of his calibre is not something that comes along often.
Signing him would be a statement of intent unseen in football since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus. However, given the financial implications, it remains to be seen if a deal for Messi would really be in United’s best interests.
