{"id":569098,"date":"2020-10-10T07:37:57","date_gmt":"2020-10-10T11:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=569098"},"modified":"2020-10-10T07:37:57","modified_gmt":"2020-10-10T11:37:57","slug":"manchester-city-chief-says-club-could-pursue-lionel-messi-next-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/10\/10\/manchester-city-chief-says-club-could-pursue-lionel-messi-next-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester City Chief Says Club Could Pursue Lionel Messi Next Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manchester City<\/a> chief operating officer, Omar Berrada, has outlined the possibility of signing Lionel Messi<\/a> next summer, according to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph<\/a>.<\/p>\n

City could make a move for the Barcelona<\/a> star. But this would only be possible if he decides to leave the Catalan club next year.<\/p>\n

Manchester City May Make a Move for Lionel Messi Next Summer<\/h2>\n

City May Benefit from Messi Situation<\/h3>\n

City were one of the clubs heavily linked<\/a> with signing Messi during the summer transfer window. The 33-year-old was close to departing the Nou Camp.<\/p>\n

Messi has had long-term disputes with the Catalan club’s board over poor performances, player sales and financial troubles.<\/a><\/p>\n

However, even though things have cooled slightly between Messi and the Barcelona board, he is currently out of contract at the end of the 2020\/21 season.<\/p>\n

It is unclear whether Messi will sign a new contract with the Catalan club. This could present an opportunity for City to move for the Argentina captain next year.<\/p>\n

Berrada: ‘Any Club Would Love to Have Messi’<\/h3>\n

Speaking on the speculation over Messi joining City in the most recent transfer window, Berrada admitted the club would have considered making a move for the 33-year-old if the situation became possible.<\/p>\n

Speaking to the Telegraph<\/a>, Berrada said: “Had it become a real possibility, we would have considered it. He is clearly the best player in the world so I think any club would love to have Messi in the team, but it didn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was interesting to see all the speculation about him wanting to come to Manchester City. That is a testament to how far this club has come, the strong squad we have now and the top players in the world wanting to come and play for Pep and be a part of this team.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will see if it ever becomes a possibility. If he leaves Barcelona and should Messi become something that can be discussed, then we could potentially explore that option.\u201d<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>