Manchester City hopeful of signing Lionel Messi next summer

Lionel Messi-Barcelona-La Liga

The Argentine was close to leaving Barcelona in the summer.

Manchester City are feeling optimistic about the possibility of signing Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi next summer.

City were in pole position to sign the Argentine star in the summer following his decision to bow out of his boyhood club. However, with him reversing his decision to stay put at Barca, City ended up slightly disappointed in the end.

Now, Man City’s Chief operating officer Omar Berrada believes the club can explore the opportunity to sign Messi next summer.

“He’s an amazing talent, he’s somebody that can make a significant impact at any club in the world on and off the pitch immediately.

“He’s the best player in the world, he’s the best player of his generation. I think any club in the world would like to explore the possibility of him joining their team.”

Berrada added,

“It’s hard to guess what could happen. If you think back to those two weeks where everything played out at Barcelona, it’s almost impossible to guess what will happen next summer.”

Berrada also said that City have the financial stability to strengthen every position on the field.

Although Messi has decided to stay put at the Nou Camp, for the time being, there aren’t any signs yet over his contract extension talks. The Argentine has a clause in his contract, which allows him to leave for free at the end of every season.

Furthermore, the Argentine’s relationship with the current hierarchy has begun to sour following Luis Suarez’s forced out departure.

Several other top clubs in Europe lined up to sign the 33-year-old, but City turned out as the potential destination due to the presence of Pep Guardiola.