Reports: City prepares to present Messi

European reports assured that Manchester City is already preparing for the possibility of signing for Lionel Messi, the Barcelona player, who was linked to a transfer to the Etihad Stadium after announcing his wish to leave the Camp Nou this summer.

The Argentine player announced his desire to leave Barcelona officially, but the management of the Catalan club asked the 33-year-old player to pay the value of the penalty clause, estimated at 700 million euros, according to the contract between the two parties, to initiate disputes.

In the event that Messi’s departure from Barcelona has been agreed, the club closest to the contract with the 33-year-old is Manchester City due to the presence of Pep Guardiola (Messi’s former Barcelona coach) at the helm technical department of the English team, along with the close relationship between Leo and his compatriot Sergio Agüero, forward Los Ciudadano.

According to the Catalan newspaper “Sport”, the City follows things closely, and is waiting for the two parties (Messi and Barcelona) to reach a solution to end the crisis amicably without going to court.

“Sport” added that Guardiola already asked one of the producers to prepare a video clip documenting Messi’s career in anticipation of his presentation by introducing him as a player in the ranks of Manchester City.

It should be noted that the Spanish League, on Sunday, backed Barcelona’s position against them by asking Messi to pay the penalty clause. (See details)