Will Lionel Messi transfer out of Barcelona next summer?
The Argentine football superstar has been linked to several transfer rumors lately but this recent one is probably the most logical among them.
English reports claim Messi and English Premier League club Manchester City, who all people know is not afraid to spend big in the market, have already offered a "whopping £800,000-a-week to take him to the Etihad."
"Lionel Messi is open to a move to Manchester City that could see him paid an astonishing £800,000-a-week," the Sun UK wrote on Nov. 28, adding that Manchester City has already been informed that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner already wants to leave his current club.
"The Barca superstar would pocket around £32m for playing with the rest paid in image rights and bonuses. City have been given encouragement that Messi is willing to end his time in Spain after 11 years - where his current £500,000-a-week deal ends in 2018," it said.
What makes this Lionel Messi transfer news more interesting is another report involving his former coach Pep Guardiola who is believed to be looking to transfer to Premier League via Manchester City. Sky Sports reported that one of Pep's immediate agenda once he takes over City is bringing in Messi with whom he won 14 trophies with in his four years with Barcelona.
While this news fueled the long-standing Lionel Messi transfer rumors, Barcelona is quick to dismiss such talks.
"We don't know anything about this offer," Barca's sporting director Robert Fernandez said as per the Mirror.
Just last month, Barcelona revealed they are about to give their star player a new, huge contract, which temporarily dismissed transfer rumors involving him.
"Barcelona are planning to renew the contract of their star player, Leo Messi. They are in no rush, but they do not want the matter to drag on either," Sport reported.
"(The last contract renewal) was a demonstration of unconditional support for Leo Messi by Barcelona and a show of solidarity for the problems which he was suffering off the field of play, as well as to put an end to any speculation over his future."
