Since his arrival to Barcelona’s first team in 2004, Lionel Messi has transformed into one of the world’s biggest superstars. The little magician has broken records, scored some brilliant goals and helped Barcelona win both domestic and continental league titles.
But it appears the four-time Ballon d’Or winner has been having a relatively disappointing season at Barcelona, especially since the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola. This season Barcelona was shockingly knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-finals (against Atletico Madrid), and recently lost the Copa Del Rey trophy to arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Arguably the best footballer of his time, Messi has been the subject of countless rumors and stories for the past few years. But if English media reports are to be believed, Abu Dhabi-owned football powerhouse Manchester City may be making a play for the Argentine international.
According to the Metro, Manchester City are getting ready to make a staggering £250 million offer to the Catalan club for the little maestro. A move like this would shatter transfer records and create football history.
Form is temporary but class is permanent. Messi may be looking for a fresh start and a move to England may just be what the struggling forward needs to reclaim the form that made him a global phenomenon.
English media reports suggest Messi would also most likely become the highest-paid player in the Barclays Premier League, superseding Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, who nets a hefty £300,000-a-week at Old Trafford. If the deal were to go through, Messi would become the most expensive player in the world.
Recent years have seen Barcelona reluctant to let-go of their most-prized possession. However, if his current form continues, the Catalan club may have to decide otherwise. Messi may also find some comfort at the Etihad playing alongside fellow Argentine Sergio Kun Aguero.
Manchester City’s wealthy Arab owners are no strangers to paying astounding amounts for football greats and if the deal were to go through, Messi would be their most valuable acquisition yet.