Manchester City reportedly already have an agreement on personal terms with Lionel Messi, following his decision to tell Barcelona he wants to leave this summer.
The Argentine sent shockwaves around the world on Tuesday, when he informed Barca that he wanted out immediately.
According to Daily Express UK, Messi has grown tired of the club’s demise in recent seasons which has led to a series of embarrassing Champions League exits and a trophyless season last term.
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It could be argued that this all started in the 2017/18 season, when Roma came back from 4-1 down to knock Barcelona out of Europe in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico.
While Barca were La Liga champions in 2018/19, they were on the end of arguably the greatest comeback in European history against Liverpool when the Reds fought back from 3-0 down in the two-legged tie to win 4-0.
Real Madrid soared to the title this time around before Bayern Munich beat Barca 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals.
That proved to be the final straw for Messi, who informed Barcelona by burofax that he wants to leave this summer.
Given that only a small group of clubs in world football can afford him, the operation is not easy.
Messi argues he withholds the right to leave the club for free following a clause in his contract.
Barcelona argue that it expired on June 10 while Messi believes it is active until August 31 due to the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the season extended.
However, City chiefs are taking no chances as they have already agreed contract terms with the six-time balon d’or.
A leaked document showed the club has tabled a bid of €200m to Barcelona in an attempt to strike a deal.
Its letter titled ‘Re Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini’ and signed by City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain read, “Subject to fee, medical and agreeing terms with the player, this is to confirm we can offer €200m payable in 2 payments over 12 months.
” €100m now, August 2020 and €100m in August 2021. This is the ONLY guaranteed fee we can offer, but with additional terms and bonuses to be discussed including a €20m payment if the player wins a UEFA Champions League trophy with Manchester City Football Club.”
Barcelona are yet to reply the offer.
