After Barcelona’s board made an official announcement on their social media on Thursday that Messi won’t be re-signing a contract with the club. Many critics and fans claimed that Manchester City’s signing of Jack Grealish was a mistake as Messi was a free agent.
A part of those claims is true that City could have been in the race to sign one of the greatest players in the world if they had not signed Grealish. But there are several reasons why the blue side of Manchester did not commit an error by signing the former Aston Villa player.
Grealish is a better long term option than Messi
There is no doubt that Messi would have made an instant impact and score a tremendous amount of goals despite having no experience in the English League. However, Messi is not getting any younger and as a result, City would have had to find his replacement quickly.
Therefore Grealish who took the Premier League by storm in the last two seasons with his creative playing style fits perfectly. He provides the club with a long-term option and he is also proved his worth by helping Villa finish 11th last season. Hence Grealish could lead the club in the future for several years as he is only 25 years old. Moreover, he is in great form and is yet to achieve his peak. Thus the English player is a viable long-term option who can also unlock his best under Pep Guardiola.
Messi has never wished to play for Manchester City
Messi had never expressed any desire to play for Manchester City. Hence it would be extremely difficult to sign the Argentian captain. Moreover, Lionel has always tried to get his best friend Neymar back to Barcelona. As a result, he would opt to play in the French league alongside his close friend.
Further Angel Di Maria and Paredes would have also convinced Messi as they are his fellow countrymen. Therefore Pep Guardiola is the only reason that the Argentinian would join Man City. Although Grealish’s signing rules City out of the race completely.
Also Read: PSG update on Messi pursuit and Mbappe contract situation
Pep Guardiola rules out Messi move
Pep Guardiola squashed all the rumors regarding the transfer of Messi on Friday by admitting that the club believed he would stay at Barcelona. Moreover, Guardiola made a statement during a press conference regarding this situation and has confirmed that there wouldn’t be any reunion with the Argentinian captain.
“He will wear the number 10 because we were convinced with Grealish and we were convinced Leo would continue at Barcelona, so right now he is not in our thoughts.”
Therefore City did not make a mistake by signing Grealish as Messi was all set to sign with Barcelona. Moreover, all the above reasons are enough for confirming that the Manchester club has not made an error by signing Jack Grealish.
Also Read: Joan Laporta speaks out about Lionel Messi’s departure
