A year ago
Two Premier League teams enter race to sign Lionel Messi .
After bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi is poised to make a decision about his future in the near future. The highly acclaimed seven-time Ballon d'Or winner remains one of Europe's most influential players and is sought after by numerous clubs.
Following his final game in Ligue 1 and PSG's announcement of his departure, Messi is now officially a free agent. This means he is not bound by any contractual obligations and is free to negotiate with other clubs in the upcoming summer transfer market.
According to Pablo Gravellone, Newcastle and Chelsea, two heavyweights in the Premier League, have emerged as potential suitors for Messi. Both clubs have expressed interest in the coveted Argentine. Messi, however, is carefully considering all his options, which include a potential return to his boyhood club FC Barcelona, a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, or joining MLS giants Inter Miami.
Newcastle and Chelsea have recently benefited from significant financial investments, which make them viable options in the pursuit of Messi. While Chelsea has struggled to find form in the Premier League, they possess a talented squad that could be appealing to Messi. On the other hand, Newcastle has been on an upward trajectory, securing Champions League qualification after an impressive campaign in the English league. Under the guidance of manager Eddie Howe, the club's smart transfer strategy has paid off, making Newcastle an attractive prospect.
However, reports suggest that Messi is more inclined to return to Barcelona, where he reached unparalleled heights in his career. The negotiation process has been slowed down by Barcelona's financial struggles and La Liga's delay in approving the Feasibility Plan. Nonetheless, both parties are actively seeking common ground.
Messi has set a deadline for Barcelona to present a concrete offer, and he is not expected to delay excessively. If financial constraints become an obstacle, Messi may need to consider other options. In this context, Newcastle and Chelsea emerge as realistic possibilities for the Argentine superstar.
Furthermore, back in February, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that Messi wants to continue playing competitive football in Europe. Despite Al Hilal's financial resources, Messi's preference for European football strengthens the prospects of the aforementioned English clubs in securing his services.
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