In a recent episode of The Transfer Window Podcast, Ian McGarry has revealed that Manchester United have offered a contract worth £43 million across two years to former Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
“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.”
“As we know, he has an ambition to play Major League Soccer in America, and that would be something he would obviously be attracted to.”
“However, Manchester United are also putting themselves in the frame.”
“They don’t believe right now that they are as strong a candidate as PSG with regards to the player’s signature.”
“However, 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.”
“And obviously there would be agent’s fees to his father Jorge as well as the signing-on fee and salary, which will be regarded in terms of Messi’s obvious worth and value in world football but also, of course, the commercial value of having Messi on your team can generate.”
“I wonder if Manchester United might actually be a credible and more effective challenge for Leo Messi, the player, rather than it being about the money.”
Reviewing Lionel Messi’s 2020/21 season At Camp Nou
The 34-year-old Argentine wizard enjoyed another brilliant season with the Blaugrana – 38 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions – as he helped them secure their 31st Copa Del Rey title with several marvellous performances over the course of the campaign.
On the other hand, although Barcelona’s charge for the league title didn’t exactly go according to the plan, the year finally put an end to Messi’s desperation for an international trophy as he helped Argentina win the Copa America after almost three decades.
Lionel Messi is ageing like fine wine, and the numbers he put up on the board last season point towards the same – 5.6 shots, 2.2 key passes, 4.5 dribbles, 2 long balls, and 64.2 passes with a pass accuracy of 85.1% per 90 minutes in the Spanish top-flight. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 8.52, he established himself as the best player in Europe last term.
In terms of skills, leadership, and talent, it would be fair to say that Lionel Messi has been setting new records almost every season for the last 14 years now; however, it seems as if the forthcoming 2021/22 season will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Argentine international as well as football fans from across the globe.
The Dream Option For Solskjaer?
Manchester United have plenty of options when it comes to the winger department – but having Lionel Messi on your side is a different thing altogether. His humongous wages shouldn’t be a concern for the fans as Messi’s arrival will generate astronomical revenue on all fronts.
United will push for their 21st Premier League title in the upcoming season – and the 151-times-Argentina international fits the bill perfectly. He’d be playing alongside superstars like Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane, and Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford – and apart from that, he’ll have a massive impact on our youth players.
Messi seems to be the perfect parting gift a Manchester United fan can receive from Ed Woodward before he steps down from the CEO position later this year.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)
