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Oluwatomiwa Babalola
– Lionel Messi might seal an agreement with Manchester City in January over a sensational move next summer
– The 33-year-old is nearing the expiration of his contract at Barcelona
– The Argentine’s current deal will expire at the end of this season and could exit Camp Nou afterward
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Manchester City appears to have been handed a huge boost in their chase for Lionel Messi when the January transfer window opens.
The Citizens made attempts to sign the 33-year-old in the summer after handing Barcelona his transfer request despite having one more year on his deal.
However, the Premier League outfit failed to achieve their aim because of the heavy release clause in his contract with the Catalans.
Meanwhile, with Pep Guardiola extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2023, the EPL champions can now commence negotiations with the Argentine in January.
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Although the Nou Camp club is doing all it can to ensure Messi remains with them beyond next summer, it is left to be seen if the forward is convinced to stay at his boyhood club.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s body reactions in recent times show he has got tired of the drama surrounding the club.
Messi has been critical of the club’s activities in the transfer window while he was also vocal of the inactivities of the former President Josep Bartomeu.
Give Me Sport reports that City see January as the perfect opportunity to arrange a deal for Messi, with defender Eric Garcia going in the opposite direction.
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Both Messi and Guardiola won laurels for Barcelona during the Spaniard’s four-year reign at the club and the duo could re-united with the manager staying back at City until 2023.
Pep was credited with these statements after the Argentine decided to remain at Barcelona for the 2020-21 season:
“I don’t need to explain anything. Leo explained it quite well I think and I don’t have anything to add.
“We don’t have anything more to add. He is a football player for FC Barcelona – the club I love. I don’t know, it’s a question for Leo Messi. I cannot talk about the intentions for other people.”
Lionel Messi embracing former boss during their time together at Barcelona.
Photo by David Ramos.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola has won six major titles for the Citizens – two Premier League, one FA Cup and three EFL Cup titles since he joined them in 2016.
Bioreports earlier reported that Manchester City are intensifying their pursuit of Barcelona captain Lionel Messi after the club failed in their bid to sign the Argentine during the summer when he had a manic period at the Catalan club.
City are preparing to launch a bid for Messi to see him move to the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window after missing out on the superstar earlier.
Messi is said to be in a frosty relationship with the Spanish club and his contract expires next summer, but Barcelona are desperate for money.
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