Lionel Messi to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City? According to journalist Marcelo Bechler, Messi has chosen the English Premier League team as his next club, after telling the Barcelona's board he wants to leave the Spanish team.
Manchester City have been looking to sign Messi for years, and now that the Argentinean superstar wants to put and end to his 20-year stint at Barcelona, it could be a good opportunity for him to join the Manchester side to be under Guardiola's orders again.
Bechler, who anticipated Messi's departure from Barcelona almost two weeks ago, had already given the news that Neymar was leaving Barca to join Paris Saint-Germain, in 2017. This time, Brazilian journalist uploaded a video saying "Messi decided he wants to play at City".
Lionel Messi to Man City?
"As far as we could tell, Messi decided that he wants to play at City. He admits that it is very painful to leave Barcelona but confesses that he has already completed a cycle", said Bechler. "In fact, it is true that there has already been a dialogue between the two parts on this subject. Messi likes City's style of play, he feels he can contribute".
Spanish media has revealed that Messi spoke to Guiardiola about the possibility of a move to Manchester City. However, it won't be easy, as Barcelona don't want to let Messi go without receiving money.
"The issue now is to agree on the exit: Messi wants to leave Barcelona free, but the club does not see it possible because he did not use the clause before May 31", added Bechler.
Lionel Messi transfer fee
Messi wants to leave, but it doesn't mean Barcelona will let him. Messi has a release clause of €700M, a price that not even Manchester City could pay. However, recent reports revealed that Barcelona would be asking €223M for the Argentinean superstar.
