Man City will not offer Lionel Messi a contract this summer
The case is closed and City will look to Kane, Haaland or Lukaku instead
Manchester City have taken the decision not to present Leo Messi with a contract offer for next season. The English club want to reinforce their attack with a top striker and on the shortlist are Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku. One of these three will fill the gap left by Kun Aguero.
City wanted Messi last summer but the Argentine could not force his way out of Camp Nou without a legal battle, which he did not want to do to the club he’s formed at since 13 years of age. Now he is out of contract from June, but he is starting to enjoy himself again.
SPORT have learned that Man City believe Messi will sign on again at Barcelona, so they are looking elsewhere for a forward. Only a wink from the Argentine himself would get them to change their mind.
City need a pure No 9 to replace Kun, who is leaving in the summer. It leaves Messi with two real options this summer. Stay at Barcelona, after Joan Laporta makes his offer, or leave for PSG, who want him.
Pep Guardiola’s team believe he’ll renew at Barca and Laporta believes it too, having shown his confidence that he can convince Messi to keep going another season, at least.
The Argentine is in no hurry to make a decision and he will decide at the end of the season. In these moments, his priority is the sporting aspect, with the team fighting for a league and cup double.
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