Despite strong links to English Premier League side Man City, Lionel Messi may yet still stay at Barcelona, with his father Jorge giving the clearest indication that his son might stay stick with the Catalan giants beyond the current transfer saga.
According to Argentina’s TyC Sports, the 33-year-old is ‘90 per cent likely to stay’ with Barcelona beyond the close of the transfer window.
Messi triggered a storm in the world of football last week after he stated his desire to leave Barcelona, a club where he has spent the entirety of his decorated senior career.
According to reports, Man City have prepared a lucrative offer for the Argentinian ace, with Messi set to earn $598m over five seasons should he move to the Etihad. The Barca stalwart would also earn as much as $229m in bonuses should the deal materialize.
Messi’s agent and father Jorge flew into Spain for crunch talks with embattled Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday.
Asked after the meeting whether there was a possibility of the Argentinean ace staying at the Nou Camp this coming season, Jorge replied: “Yes.”
The Argentinian maestro has an unrealistic $828 million release clause, which would be a record in the sport should any club fork out that kind of money.
Bartomeu, who is facing a crisis as he tries to stay at the helm in Barcelona, has come under sharp criticism for how he has handled the potential transfer.
“A couple of months ago the president said players have earned the right to leave and retire whenever they want,” said Barca presidential hopeful Victor Font.
“Now, because of these very exceptional circumstances, he has to honour that commitment.”