A rather unexpected update on the Messi transfer saga.
After meeting Barca president Bartomeu in an hour and a half long meeting, Jorge Messi has told the media that his son might just end up staying at the Nou Camp for the upcoming season.
While the player himself hasn’t spoken out on the issue, there was a sense of finality about the situation. Especially after reports of newly appointed Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman telling Leo Messi that “his privileges at Barcelona are over”.
Although there was a clause in the Argentine’s contract that allowed him to leave on a free at the end of each season, the terms of that clause expired on the 10th of June.
While the regular season would have concluded by that date, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed things back significantly. As of now, Barca are sticking to the €700 million release clause that was added to Messi’s contract following his last extension.
The club stated that if Messi did choose to officially “sign” for any other club, then they would take the player to court. However, that is something that neither Messi nor the club would want after the relationship between the two.
With that said, the greatest player to grace the sport will look to continue representing the team for the 20/21 season and eventually leave for free at the end of it.
While it might be the most diplomatic solution for both parties, it might come as a gigantic financial loss for the club. Losing their greatest asset ever for less than a bag of chips is something that the club would want to avoid.
#Exclusiva Los Mossos toman partido y acusan de corrupción al Barça de Bartomeu. EL MUNDO revela el primer informe sobre el ‘Barçagate’, en el que sostienen que el club pagó sobreprecios del 600%, burló el órgano de control y articuló despidos ficticios.https://t.co/TYxOY5Bios
— Esteban Urreiztieta (@eurreiztieta) September 3, 2020
The reason Messi might consider staying could be that President Bartomeu has been charged with corruption by the police, in a recent development as reported by El Mundo.
According to the report, Bartomeu paid media company I3 Ventures 6 times higher than their market value to tarnish the reputation of his competitors and club legends Messi, Pique, Xavi, Puyol and Guardiola.
If Bartomeu’s management is sacked, then Messi would be keen to work under a new board who can restore Barca to their former glory.
While Manchester City are the frontrunners in the race to sign Messi, mainly because they are the only team that can afford the player, a €700 million deal does look unlikely.
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