Lionel Messi was close to agreeing an extension with Barcelona but things did not work out. The Catalan giants confirmed that the Argentine international will be leaving the club this summer.
Since the news broke out, the legendary playmaker has been linked with the biggest of clubs in the world and reports suggest that Manchester United have moved in with an offer as well.
Transfer: Man Utd keen to sign £60m star – £196,000-a-week+ offered already
According to Ian McGarry, Man Utd are prepared to agree a contract that will make the 34-year-old earn a gross salary of £42million in two seasons (i.e. £21million per year – £404,000-a-week).
However, for now, French giants, Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to hire the services of Messi this summer. They are offering him a deal worth £610,000-a-week. The transfer expert told the Transfer Window Podcast:
“Paris Saint-Germain are in pole position with regards to securing Messi’s signature and are offering him a contract of around £63.5m (€75m) gross over two years, and then allowing him to leave for free.”
“However, Manchester United are also putting themselves in the frame.” “Terms have been spoken about with Messi’s representatives with regards to a contract, which would reach to around £42m (€50m) gross in terms of salary.”
McGarry claims that moving to the Red Devils would be a much more credible option for Messi if he is looking for an effective challenge and not just the money.
The 6-time Ballon d’Or winner directly contributed in 52 goals (38 goals and 14 assists) in just 47 appearances for Barca last term but only managed to win the Copa Del Rey. More importantly, finally, he won a trophy (Copa America) with Argentina. The veteran was the top goalscorer in the competition and was (deservedly) named the Player of the Tournament as well.
In your view, should Man Utd press to sign Lionel Messi, the arch rival of Old Trafford legend, Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ronaldo is available too.
This is an ideal opportunity for the sponsors for Ronaldo and Messi to play for the same team! How many millions is that worth in sponsorship alone?
Yes. Manchester United definitely need a creative midfielder to feed the likes of Cavani and Messi is the best anyday. So please get him and we can definitely challenge for trophies. Thanks
What I find is that alot of players who had played as pairs either in the internationals of their Countries and in their clubs seem to be alot more compatible and also when buying players if anyone can keep this in mind and if they get lucky with players like that, we can see it as a step in the right direction. E.g. Pogba and Varane and Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw and so is Sancho and Rashford, then even Mason Green Wood can be among these pairs.
With regards to Lingard, they need to hold on to him as he also can be paired with these young ones who have all got the potential to move and push forward as Man.Utd need more like them and of course the experienced players like Bruno and Pogba and the great Cavani who can all do alot with the passes etc.