Lionel Messi’s time at Barcelona is reportedly coming to an end. Journalist Alfredo Martinez first reported Messi will activate a clause that would allow him to end his contract at Barcelona unilaterally. This has since been backed up by Fabrizio Romano.
Lionel Messi Wants to Leave Barcelona
The End of an Era
After Barcelona’s disastrous end to their Champions League campaign, reports of Messi possibly leaving the club have surfaced. The 33-year-old has won numerous titles with the Catalonian side but their recent performances in La Liga and the Champions League have been underwhelming.
For over 15 years Messi has called Barcelona home. With the recent report stating he will leave, it will truly be the end of an era for Barcelona. The club would be losing the iconic player that has delivered incredible performances on many occasions.
Where to Next?
Based on the report, Messi would be ending the contract unilaterally. This means he would be joining his next club on a free transfer. As a result, it could open the doors for clubs who were not going to pay a high transfer to acquire the Argentine star. A free transfer would certainly add more clubs into the discussion of where the next destination is for Messi.
Any club who can sign Messi would have to incur his very high wages. But without an initial transfer fee, the signing would be more manageable for those who can afford to spend big on wages alone.
However, this is different to what is reported by Romano, who claims that the “free clause” actually expired in June, and that there is a €700 million release clause in Messi’s contract.
At 33, Messi doesn’t have many years left to win another Champions League title. As a result, he will have to get it right when it comes to the next club he chooses. There are many options available for him, including Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Thomas Tuchel expressed that he is welcome at the club.
It remains to be seen what will transpire in the days and weeks to come. If Messi does indeed leave Barcelona, the outlook of the 2020/21 season in Europe will be changed. Whichever club is able to sign him will have their chances of winning the Champions League immediately skyrocket.
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