It has finally come to this. Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has officially handed in a transfer request, informing that he wants to leave the Spanish giants this summer.
Photo via Reuters
This is huge news, but not entirely unexpected amid intense speculation surrounding the Argentine's future, especially after Barca's humiliating defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Neither Messi nor the club have yet to make an official statement, but here's what we know so far:
Release clause
Messi is pushing to activate a release clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free at the end of every campaign, provided he gives Barca sufficient notice.
Barca insists the clause for this season expired in June.
Messi, however, is arguing that the deadline should be extended because the season was also stretched longer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Insiders suggest Messi could now take the matter to court to seek a resolution.
Photo via Reuters
Transfer fee
If the courts decide that the early release clause has indeed expired for this season, then interested parties will have to pay an estimated 700 million euros to sign Messi.
Realistically, there are only a handful of top clubs (i.e Man City and PSG) who can even come close to affording this.
Even if Messi gets his way and leaves for free, his rumoured 2 million pounds monthly salary will prove to be a major stumbling block for potential suitors.
Photo via Reuters
Could there be more at play?
There is speculation that the transfer request is merely Messi's attempt to force the resignation of controversial Barca president Josep Bartomeu.
Bartomeu is a highly-divisive figure at the Nou Camp, with sections of the supporters and players (Messi included) blaming him for the club's recent troubles on and off the pitch.
Spanish media are already reporting that Bartomeu has been pushed into a corner by Messi's latest announcement, and may have no other option than to step down or risk losing the support of the board.
The tabloids claim that the club president's exit could then pave the way for Messi to stay.
The end of an era
If Messi does end up leaving, it will mark the beginning of the end of an era for the Spanish giants.
The Argentine is among the last of Pep Guardiola's dream team (that also included the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Carles Puyol), who dominated La Liga and the Champions League.
The only other players from that golden generation still in the current squad are Sergio Busquets and Gerrard Pique.
But as with all high-profile football transfers, nothing is certain until the contract is actually signed...so watch this space.
By: Nicholas Darren John
