Pranav Nair
Lionel Messi camp send feelers out to Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window
According to the Express, the representatives of Lionel Messi have reached out to Manchester United regarding a summer transfer.
The Barcelona legend is out of contract this summer at the Nou Camp. Having spent his career in Catalonia, he could be ready for a new challenge come the summer.
Despite being 33, the Argentine ace has enjoyed a fruitful season at Barcelona. He has so far scored 37 goals and made 14 assists in just 47 appearances across all competitions. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Apart from United, Messi has also been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. The 33-year-old reached new levels under Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp and could seek a reunion with the Catalan at City.
It was reported earlier this week that the Glazers are keen to make a statement signing to quell the unrest amongst the fans. There are few bigger statements in football than to secure the signing of Lionel Messi.
The Red Devils have had excellent success signing veterans in recent years. Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani have excelled despite their age and Messi could follow in their footsteps.
Money talks!
One point of concern could however prove to be the player’s wages. Messi earns a whopping £584,000 per week at Barcelona. While United are no slouches themselves, the wages on offer at Old Trafford pale significantly in comparison to Messi’s.
It was reported earlier that United remain unsure about giving in to Paul Pogba’s demands of an improved wage. Despite Messi’s age, he remains a potent player and will offer us much in the coming seasons.
Given the financial hits we have taken thanks to the pandemic, it remains to be seen if we are willing to go big for the Argentine.
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United have also been linked with a move for former superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Alongside Messi, the Portuguese star is amongst the greatest the game has ever seen.
Being able to sign both of them, even at this advanced stage in their career would be a coup. Given the finances, however, it could prove to be very unlikely. But then, one can dream.
