Messi passed on a transfer request to the Barça board last week to launch a clause in his deal that allows the Argentine to leave the club at the end of each season.
Messi and his €700 million release clause
Leo Messi can only leave Barcelona if his €700 million exemption clause is met. Or another club negotiates a lower transfer fee with Camp Nou, LaLiga confirmed Sunday. Messi passed on a transfer request to the Barça board last week to launch a clause in his deal. That allows the Argentine to leave the club at the end of each season. The clause expired in June, but Argentina’s legal team is ready to argue that he should be allowed to terminate his contract unilaterally due to the extension of the 2019-20 season to August due to the coronavirus pandemic. Manchester City are considered Messi’s most likely next destination. So former Barca boss Pep Guardiola has been in touch regarding a potential reunion at Etihad Stadium.
Man City, PSG and Man Utd are interested in the signing of Messi
PSG, Juventus, and Manchester United are also reportedly considering transferring the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. But LaLiga has now revealed its position on his current situation. The main governing body of Spanish football has now said that the terms of Messi’s current contract. Which is due until 2021, remain in force, which means that he will not be able to leave the club until the potential guarantor has paid in full his buy-out clause of €700 million if Barça does not agree to sell him for less. An official statement on the LaLiga website reads: “Regarding the various interpretations published by several media outlets in recent days. Regarding the contractual situation around the Barcelona player Lionel Andres Messi. After examining his contract with the club, LaLiga considers it appropriate to clarify questions.
“The deal is currently in force and contains a release clause that will apply if Lionel Andres Messi decides to activate an early unilateral termination of the contract”. Following the rules and procedures applicable in such cases, LaLiga should not proceed with an exemption player from registration with the Spanish Football Federation if the above provision has not been paid”. Messi’s battle to leave Barça now threatens to be a drawn-out saga. Although he has already decided that he no longer wants to play for the club. The 33-year-old has deliberately failed report back on medical testing at the club’s training center. Ahead of the new season to address lingering doubts about his mindset.