We’re tracking the latest Lionel Messi transfer odds, news and rumours for clues on where the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will play this season.
Barcelona sent shock waves across the football world when they announced the 34-year-old Argentina superstar was heading for the exit door.
Talks had been ongoing over a new contract, but a statement on Barca’s official website said: “This cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona.
“Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
Here are the leading contenders to capture his signature before September 3, according to bwin’s Lionel Messi transfer odds:
PSG @ 5/11
These clubs have past history of completing mega-rich deals, with Neymar switching from the Nou Camp to PSG in 2017 for £200million. The Brazil ace may even fancy going back in the opposite direction, although Barca’s financial problems make that unlikely this summer. The French aristocrats also splashed the cash on Kylian Mbappe and could see Messi as the final piece of the Champions League puzzle after their failure to win European football’s biggest prize.
MAN CITY @ 5/1
A move to the Etihad would bring a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola. While coaching the Argentina forward at Barca, Guardiola won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during a four-year spell in charge from 2008. City are searching for a replacement for Sergio Aguero and Messi could fit the bill, although City have just paid out £100million for Jack Grealish and are also reportedly trying to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
ANY MLS CLUB @ 9/1
Having spent his entire career playing for Barcelona, the thought of playing against them in the Champions League could be unbearable. One alternative would be a move to the United States for one final swansong. The lifestyle on offer would certainly be attractive and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said in June he was “optimistic” of signing Messi, with Mas and fellow owner David Beckham said to be “working really hard” on a deal.
MAN UTD @ 14/1
United have already indicated this summer that they are willing to spend big with their capture of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane and the business-minded hierarchy at Old Trafford could see this as a savvy short-term option, with Messi’s arrival sure to spark an influx of cash in shirt sales, other merchandise and sponsorship deals.
JUVENTUS @ 16/1
Fiat founders the Agnelli family pulled off an incredible coup when capturing Ronaldo from Real Madrid and teaming him up with Messi at club level is fantasy football material. More likely, though, would be for Ronaldo to switch elsewhere, with PSG rumoured to be a possible destination, and Messi brought in to adequately fill the void.
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