While Lionel Messi hasn't officially left FC Barcelona, he's reportedly already made up his mind on his next destination.
According to the Daily Record on Tuesday, the 33-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal with City Football Group, owner of Manchester City and various other teams around the world. The deal would be worth a whopping €700 million, and would see Messi play for at least three years in Manchester before moving across the Atlantic Ocean to star for CFG's Major League Soccer side, New York City FC.
The report also stated that Messi would receive an ownership stake in CFG.
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Earlier reports out of Spain indicated CFG's willness to offer Messi a five-year contract, with Sport reporting Monday that the Abu Dhabi-based company had put together the framework of a deal to bring Barca's all-time leading scorer to Manchester and New York City for a total sum of €500 million. Tuesday's report from the Daily Record adds additional €200 million to the already astronomical figure.
Manchester emerged as the frontrunner for Messi's services almost immediately after news broke last week that the Argentine had informed Barcelona of his intention to leave the club after two decades at Camp Nou. With the pre-existing ties between Messi and current City manager Pep Guardiola, as well as striker Sergio Aguero, the Etihad Stadium seems like the most welcoming place for the superstar. CFG's ability to pay whatever it takes to bring Messi to England is another big factor, especially as the player and Barca are embroiled in a legal battle over a player-triggered termination clause that may allow him to leave the Catalan club for free.
If Messi cannot execute his termination clause, his buyout cost is €700 million — the same figure that CFG is offering him simply to sign.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is hoping for a face-to-face meeting with Messi. According to The Associated Press, Messi has been offered a two-year contract extension, which would run through the 2022-23 season.