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EXPENSIVE: Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. Could become the two most expensive players in history if Messi sells himself in this transfer window. Photo: NTB Scanpix
Sport
The Argentine magician has served soccer-loving Catalans and people around the world with unforgettable attractions, humiliating tunnels, ingenious passes and otherworldly goals.
Now, however, it may seem that the Lionel Messi saga in a Barca suit is coming to an end. Barcelona’s new coach, Ronald Koeman, has stated that “Messi’s privileges at Barcelona are over,” according to The Guardian.
Which team will Messi go to? And how much will it cost? Both questions are difficult to answer.
Ellevill Termination Clause
Barcelona have been sitting on their hind legs when it comes to negotiating a deal before Messi leaves the team. As seen now, there are three possibilities.
The first option is that Messi is bought out of his contract with Barcelona. The release clause amounts to a staggering € 700 million, or almost NOK 7.4 billion.
This solution will make Messi the most expensive player in history and will break Neymar’s record for transfers of NOK 2.4 billion to PSG in 2017. However, the chance of this happening is very small.
Messi could end up leaving Barcelona for free if a clause in the contract remains in force. Photo: NTB Scanpix
Opportunity number two However, it is more likely: Barcelona have declared that they accept offers for Messi. Considering Messi’s age and the length of his career, probably no transition record will be set, but we won’t speculate on anything more than that.
The last solution Is that Messi makes use of a clause in the contract that allows him to leave the club for free. Messi and his representatives believe that this clause is still in force, while the club insists that it has expired.
The saga continues
A long legal battle may follow, as Messi wants to leave the club, but most likely he will be refused to leave for free.
His contract expires in 2021, but according to the clause he may end up leaving for free.
According to the media, the president of Barcelona, Josep Bartomeu, has stated that he is willing to resign if that is what it takes for Messi to stay.
