Manchester United are reportedly interested in a shock swoop for Lionel Messi after the six-time Ballon d’Or winner left Barcelona following the expiration of his contract.
Messi agreed a 50 per cent pay cut to extend his 21-year stay at Barca but the club’s dire financial situation meant it was refused by La Liga.
The Blaugrana’s record goalscorer is now a free agent and widely expected to embark on a new chapter with Paris Saint-Germain in France.
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Although close, the deal is not completely done just yet and journalist Duncan Castles says United may try and gazump PSG by offering a contract. “He’s available and looking for a club. It’s interesting to see what decisions will be taken by clubs,” Castles told Ian McGarry on the Transfer Window Podcast, as per the Daily Star.
“It’s interesting Manchester United – who have talked about their coherent strategy and planning that have gone into their transfers and they’ve been quick to do deals for two important players in positions where they needed players in – are saying, ‘Well, can we do something for Messi?’. “I’m not surprised PSG are pushing to do it.” After it was announced he would be leaving Barca, Messi was briefly linked with Spurs but those rumours petered out very quickly. |
#Tottenham are interested in Lionel Messi and have now made an offer.
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) August 8, 2021
After his emotional farewell on Sunday, Messi is still at his house despite reports stating he would be on his way to Paris to complete a medical and sign his contract with the Ligue One side.
🚨 BREAKING🚨
Lionel Messi has been seen at his house in Barcelona looking relaxed ahead of his move to PSG
[via @gary_cotterill] pic.twitter.com/rLhRZ3V7Bc
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 9, 2021
Anticipating the sensational signing to be made official imminently, excited PSG fans gathered at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Parc Des Princes.
PSG fans are gathered outside the Parc des Princes stadium to welcome Lionel Messi 🇦🇷👋 pic.twitter.com/sjGjzA5F6z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 9, 2021
They may have to wait a couple of days but it is looking as though Messi will put pen to paper on an initial two-year contract with PSG, where he will reunite with former teammate Neymar.