In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Manchester City are ready to give up five of their players to land Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi this summer. It is believed that Pep Guardiola’s team are prepared to pay with their players as they have transfer-listed the likes of Eric Garcia, Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Angelino and Riyad Mahrez so that they can convince the Catalans to sanction the Argentine maestro’s exit soon. Selling off multiple stars will also help Man City lower their wage bill significantly to make room for Messi’s demands if he decides to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium in this off-season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Messi’s Heroics Last Season Did Not Translate To Any Trophies
The Argentine international has fallen out with the Barca boardroom, which explains why he is eager to leave the Nou Camp during this summer transfer period. Messi and company suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals earlier this month. That loss seems like the final nail in the coffin as far as the Rosario-born talent’s career is concerned at Catalonia as he failed to earn any silverware last season.
The 33-year-old had another impressive campaign on a personal front as he featured in 44 matches for his boyhood club, registering 31 goals and 26 assists on all fronts. Messi was once again highly impressive in the offensive end of the field as evident from his average of 4.6 shots, 2.6 key passes and 5.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He even ended the season with a passing accuracy of 82.4% to his name in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Argentine Skipper’s Best Attributes?
Messi is recognised by many as the greatest player of all time because of his incredible standards in front of goal for over a decade. He has shown no signs of stopping in the 2019-20 La Liga campaign as can still create chances out of nothing from the right flank.
The 138-time Argentine international can cause all sorts of problems for the opposition by making full use of his speed, agility, ball control and dribbling ability. He is one of the trickiest wingers in world football and has made a career of being a prolific goal-scorer and regular assist-maker at the highest level.
Guardiola Willing To Give Up Five Players For Messi: A Deal Worth Pursuing?
A footballing legend like Messi will undeniably bolster Guardiola’s attacking options significantly at the north-west of England if the Man City boss can figure out a way to land him this summer. He will immediately make the Mancunian giants the title favourites once again as they will have a strong squad capable of overcoming Liverpool’s recent stranglehold in the Premier League.
At 33, Messi will be a short-term acquisition and is well worth pursuing as Man City might finally be able to win the UEFA Champions League with the Argentine firing on all cylinders as part of their frontline. Giving up five first-team players has never been a good idea for any club, but for a player of Messi’s standards, it is well worth it for the Etihad outfit. Guardiola will also fancy his chances of getting the most out of Messi due to the pair’s successful time together at the Nou Camp.
