Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'prepare three-year Lionel Messi deal with MLS clause'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 August 2020

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a three-year contract for Lionel Messi which would include the possibility of joining New York City FC at the end of it.

Manchester City are reportedly hopeful of luring Lionel Messi to the Etihad Stadium by including a Major League Soccer clause in his contract.

City have been installed as one of the favourites to sign the Barcelona talisman following his blockbuster transfer request earlier this week, with reports suggesting that he has already contacted Pep Guardiola over the possibility of a reunion.

Speculation elsewhere has claimed that Messi's father is already in Manchester to thrash out a deal, and ESPN reports that the former Premier League champions are drawing up a three-year contract.

The offer would include a clause allowing Messi to then join Man City's sister club New York City FC in the United States at the age of 36, effectively giving him the opportunity to see out his career in MLS.

The City Football Group, which owns a number of clubs across the world, could then offer the six-time Ballon d'Or winner an ambassadorial role when he chooses to hang up his boots.

Man City are one of a handful of clubs thought to be able to seriously consider a bid for Messi, whose astronomical wages price out all but the richest clubs in football even if he is able to leave on a free transfer.