The Manchester City development that will leave Barcelona worried about Lionel Messi

For Barcelona fans, the previous transfer window will have been an anxious time, as it seemed certain that they would lose Lionel Messi. That wouldn’t just be bad news – it would be a catastrophe. It’s unthinkable.

Or, at least, it was. Now, it seems a matter of time before he does go, and the rumours are sure to pick up once again when the window opens up in January. The Argentinian great will have just six months left on his contract at Camp Nou, so he is free to talk to other clubs. Whilst that may not happen with the player himself, as Messi concentrates on his football, you can be sure that his representatives will know what’s out there.

 

And, even at 33-years-old, there will be a lot out there. His impact on the pitch remains high, whilst the fact he would transform a club commercially will appeal to all the big clubs.

It had been suggested that Manchester City were leading the race for Messi in the summer, and you can be sure that they will be interested once again. They have the financial power to satisfy the demands of the left-footer, but more importantly, they have the sporting project that Messi also craves.

A look at the latest Premier League betting odds shows City are the 7/4 favourites to win the league, and they are also one of the frontrunners in terms of the Champions League. Clearly, they are a quality team.

Then, there’s the Pep Guardiola factor. As everyone will know, the Spaniard was in charge when Barcelona, and Messi, were great. It was under Guardiola’s guidance that Messi’s game went up another level – he shone as a false nine and hit the sort of goalscoring form that nobody thought was possible. So, the City boss knows the quality of the Argentine and he would be able to find a plan that would ensure arguably the best player ever can still thrive.  

Given Messi’s desire to win the Champions League again before he retires, this makes grim reading for Barcelona. That’s because the brutal reality is that a move to Manchester would seemingly give him more of a chance of doing just that.

 

Guardiola signing a new deal with the English side is not what anyone connected to Barcelona wanted to hear. It means he will be backed as he searches for City’s first European Cup, and it means he believes he can deliver it. The team will need to be improved to do just that, so Messi may be on the radar.

Of course, there is a hope among the Barca support that the upcoming elections can convince Messi to commit to the club. However, as we’ve mentioned, time is against the iconic number ten. He may have to be selfish if he wants to fulfil his goals before he ends his glittering career. At City, everything is in place. They have a great squad, a manager that knows him,  and a style of play that suits him. Therefore, Barcelona’s unthinkable scenario may play out in front of them in 2021.