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The growing speculation about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona has led to reports of four teams being the top contenders to sign him. English teams Chelsea and Manchester City, French champions Paris Saint-German and Italy’s Inter Milan are the four clubs who reportedly could make an attempt to get the Argentinian star.
Not every team can afford Messi
Lionel Messi’s current release clause in the Barcelona contract is 250 million euros, and he is also one of the top earners in world football. Reports suggest PSG is in the best position to sign Messi because of their wealthy owners and their stated wish to win the coveted Champions League trophy. But that doesn’t take into account the Financial Fair Play rules, due to which the Ligue 1 champions failed to sign Angel Di Maria in the summer.
English champions Manchester City can also sign Messi with the kind of resources they have, but they will find it tough to comply with the FFP. City will still likely make a bid for him if he is available; the reigning English champions have Messi’s Argentine teammates Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zableta already, who can maybe help lure him to England.
The Special One could be a stumbling block
Similarly, Chelsea also have the financial clout, thanks to their owner Roman Abramovich, to clinch the signing of the former Ballon d’Or winner. The presence of Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas may also help convince him to move to Stamford Bridge. However, one major deterrent would be the presence of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who managed Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The fourth club in the running as per the Catalan newspaper are Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri seem unlikely to sign Messi because of the weakness of Serie A and also because of their lack of Champions League football. However, in their new owner, Indonesian mogul Erick Thohir, and newly appointed coach Roberto Mancini, they may possess enough funds and the necessary coaching clout to pull off the transfer.
Manchester City are reported to be the top contender out of the four teams to sign Lionel Messi if he does decide to leave Barcelona.
