Lionel Messi’s father tells Josep Maria Bartomeu: ‘My son won’t stay in Barcelona’ – Paper Round

The Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the talks between Barcelona and Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, continue, but that Jorge was unequivocal in his demands in a meeting with Josep Maria Bartomeu. In the discussion Jorge told the Barça president: “My son does not stay at Barcelona.” Messi’s termination clause amounts to more than 700 million euros and the club will not let him leave for free.

Paper Round’s opinion: There is only one club that can probably afford Messi and that is Manchester City. To that end, don’t be surprised if they can offer the 33-year-old a fortune to pledge to forcibly leave the club.

The Telegraph reports that Lionel Messi could walk away for just € 100 million (£ 88.8 million). The 33-year-old Barça forward has been linked to a signing by Manchester City since he requested the exercise of a contractual clause that allows him to leave for nothing, something that his current club and La Liga have claimed is not allowed at this point. of the year.

Paper Round’s opinion: Almost £ 90m would be affordable for Manchester City, and the delay in Kalidou Koulibaly’s long-awaited move from Napoli could hint that they believe they have a chance. While Messi would be a business boon for City in many ways, they would still have to find the money for his presumably astronomical salary demands.

The Mirror reports that Dean Henderson is already preparing to leave Manchester United if he is not given a first-team career. The 23-year-old England goalkeeper came back from assignment at Sheffield United and signed a new contract at Old Trafford, but would go on loan again if he couldn’t evict David de Gea, saying: “I don’t think I want to. not playing after a good season with momentum. It wouldn’t be smart for me to sit still and not play soccer. I don’t think it helps either party at all. “

Paper Round’s opinion: Henderson has yet to prove himself at the top end of the Premier League and with the improvement of United’s defense, the focus will now show that he can focus for long periods of the game when United dominate. That’s a separate skill from what he may have used at Sheffield United, but it is true that he will need to get regular playing time to improve regardless.

Leicester City look ready to sign Atalanta defender Timothy Castagne. The Belgian international passed a medical examination in Germany while on international duty, and will complete a £ 21.5 million move as Brendan Rodgers looks to quickly replace left-back Ben Chilwell with the 24-year-old full-back who can play in both. flanks, after Chilwell joined Chelsea.

Paper Round’s opinion: Leicester have done exceptionally well in finding and replacing their big names, so much is expected of Castagne. The full-back is a demanding position in the Premier League, so both his physical condition and positional sense will be put to the test, and with Rodgers in charge, he will be forced to contribute in attack as well.