Argentine star Lionel Messi faces a new obstacle on his way out of Barcelona, and a new report in Spain showed that Manchester City may exit the race to sign the player due to economic calculations.
The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo stated that the management of the English club concluded, after studying Messi's deal in all its aspects, that it is applicable in only one case, which is the player's free exit from Barcelona.
The newspaper pointed out that Manchester City management realizes that it is impossible to contract with Messi in exchange for paying a large sum of money to Barcelona, because this will put them at risk of exposure to new investigations regarding the laws of fair financial play.
She indicated that the contract with Messi includes another risk, which includes seeking to reduce the wage mass and perhaps abandoning stars from the team in order to provide the sufficient amount to secure the wages of the Argentine star.
According to the newspaper close to the Catalan club, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola contacted Messi and informed him of the economic difficulties facing his transfer to the English Premier League.
Guardiola told Messi that his best solution in light of the current situation is to continue with Barcelona and to retire with the colors of the Catalan club.
It is noteworthy that most press reports confirm that Manchester City is the closest to a contract with Messi in the event of his departure from Barcelona, and sources spoke earlier about an agreement between the player and the English club to sign a contract for a period of three years, and then the player moves during the next two seasons to the American club New York City Of the same Manchester City royal group.
Barcelona administration insists on Messi continuing with the team until the end of his contract next year, or paying 700 million euros for the penalty clause, and reports stated that President Josep Maria Bartomeu will offer the renewal for two seasons to Jorge Messi's father and his agent during an upcoming meeting between them tomorrow, Wednesday.