Seeing Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona for Manchester City is possible, says Yaya Toure, but the former Citiznes and Blaugrana star admits any deal to sign the Argentine this summer will be “complicated”. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner would have opened the door to leave his forever club, Barça. The struggles Barca endured in the 2019-2020 campaign have reportedly led Messi to reflect on his options.
Barça, Messi would have confided his “doubts” to Koeman
The Argentina international has entered the last 12 months of his current contract as extension negotiations have been put on hold as the La Liga giant tries to resolve serious issues on and off the pitch. The legend of the club, Ronald Koeman, has been recruited as the club’s new coach, the Dutchman having had talks with Messi in an attempt to find out what state of mind his captain is in. It may be that the great player in Barca history decides to sever ties with the only team he has represented in his professional career so far.
“Guardiola could integrate him into his City”
Few teams could afford to set up a transfer if Barca were forced to negotiate the departure of their number ten, but Premier League heavyweight, Manchester City would fall into this category. Yaya Touré believes the Etihad Stadium boarders could explore a stunning move, especially with Pep Guardiola as a trump card in their round, but the Ivorian admits any discussion will be difficult.
The Manchester City legend told the ‘Daily Star’: “It’s going to be complicated. From what I know, Messi loves Barcelona. He loves the city, he loves the club, he loves the philosophy there. But if he were to leave the club, maybe he could come to City. Why ? Because City have the money to buy it and there are only a few clubs in the Premier League that can afford it, to be honest. If he comes to City he will be good for City because the rest of the Premier League is also quite intense and difficult.
“The way Messi plays, not many managers are going to like him because he’s just sitting on the side and doesn’t want to defend a lot. In England – depending on who’s going to criticize him for that – they want you to work, defend and attack and it’s not easy, but if he came to England I could see him play for Manchester City because Guardiola knows him better and he could put him in this City team to play his football. I kinda doubt he’s leaving Barcelona, to be honest. Barcelona boils down to Messi. If Messi leaves, there will be a huge gap, “concluded the Ivorian international.
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