Report: Manchester City want to sign a pre-contract with Messi in January

The biggest saga of the whole summer transfer window was around none other than Lionel Messi. And yes, we hear those kinds of rumours every year but this time, the Argentine was serious about leaving Barcelona.

In the end, we can confidently say that he was forced to stay in Catalonia, very much so against his own wishes. Now, he is once more leading the Azulgranas as they start a new campaign in 2020/21 under Ronald Koeman.

But the story doesn’t end here, as it seems. New reports coming from The Telegraph in England (via Mundo Deportivo) state that Manchester City intend to come back for Messi in January. That’s, of course, when the player is eligible to sign a pre-contract with any club he wishes, should he decide not to renew with Barça, that is.

Not only that but they believe Barcelona are aware of the fact that they cannot keep Messi anymore. For that reason, they will be looking to get at least some sort of a compensation for their icon during the winter transfer window.

That way, they can sell him for a low fee rather than letting him go for free in the summer. Omar Berrada, the director of finances at Man City, has spoken to the media about their desire to return for Leo in January, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“He is an incredible talent, someone who can have a significant impact on any club in the world on and off the pitch immediately. He is the best player in the world, he is the best player of his generation. I think any club in the world would like to explore the possibility of him joining their team. If Leo Messi leaves Barça and becomes a possibility, we could explore the option of his signing him.”

But with Josep Maria Bartomeu now gone and Barcelona getting a new board within the next three months, maybe the club can persuade Messi to stay.