Why Messi handed in a transfer request

After nearly 20 years in association with, Catalan giants, Barcelona, Leonel Messi officially handed in a transfer request. Barcelona received a fax from their Messi stating that he wanted to leave. When it was initially reported, everyone thought was fake. Barcelona confirmed that they did receive this fax to the public. Messi has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave for free at the end of every season as long as he informs the club’s board by May 31st. This clause is rewarded to players who are loyal to the club and reportedly was included Iniesta and Xavi’s contracts too. Messi believes that this clause should be extended due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the extension of the season. Messi wants the clause to be extended to August 31st. On the other hand, Barcelona believes that the clause expired on June 10th and that if Messi wants to leave the buying club would have to pay his full buy-out clause of 700 million Euros. This may all go to a FIFA court and come down to the wording in his contract. Going off of past precedent, FIFA is more likely to side with the player than the club. There are many reasons why Messi has grown frustrated with the club.

Barcelona’s sale of Neymar to PSG was reportedly against Messi’s will. Instead, Barcelona signed Antoine Griezmenn, who has massively underperformed this season. Messi was also against the sacking of Ernesto Valverde in favor of Quique Setien, I guess he was right given Barca’s disastrous record. Lastly, Messi seems to be upset because Luis Suarez was reportedly informed that his contract was getting terminated over the phone. Messi was deeply upset that one of his best friends was subjected to such ill-treatment. There have many theories surrounding Barcelona president, Josep Bartomeu. Barcelona has an election every 6 years where the club’s members and fans can vote for their president. Josep Bartomeu is deeply unpopular with Balgrana fans, he has been involved in many scandals and is responsible for many of the arising problems in the club. During the elections, Messi made it clear that he dislikes Bartomeu and has continued to grow frustrated with some of his management. This could be Messi’s final move in pressuring Bartomeu into resigning as president, it looks like Messi plan may have worked

Another reason is concerning Barcelona's bad on-pitch performances and mismanagement. Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015 and losing in the knockout rounds. In 2018 after winning the 1st leg against AS Roma 4-1, they lost 3-0 in the second leg, crashing out due to away goals. A similar situation happened last season against Liverpool. After cruising to an easy 3-0 aggregate in the first leg, Liverpool won the second leg 4-0 knocking Barcelona out of Europe’s premier competition. This season they lost 8-2 the Bayern Munchin, conceding 8 times in one match for the first time since 1946. Barcelona have spent ludicrous amounts of money on players who have been unable to perform. The most notable example is Philipe Coutinho. Philipe Coutinho had a mediocre first season at the Camp Nou. His transfer fee was initially 105 million Pounds and subject to add-ons potentially worth up to 142 million pounds in total. All that for a player that scored 13 goals over 1 and a half seasons. Coutinho also contributed 2 goals for Bayern, on loan, in their 8-2 Champions League thumping of Barcelona. Ousmane Dembele’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund made him the 6th most expensive player ever despite him only being in his early 20’s. Messi also seems upset with the appointment of Ronald Koeman who is reportedly trying to terminate Suarez’s contract.

Messi’s request to leave the club is backed by reasoning. Messi’s request to leave has also been backed by Barcelona legend, Carlos Puyol, over social media, Luis Suarez has also come out in support of his teammate and even fans protesting outside the Nou Camp with have agreed with Messi’s decision. Messi would be a great signing for any club considering his talent, experience and commercial value. However, Messi may have only been pressuring Bartomeu into stepping down. In which case, Messi has succeeded, according to ESPN Bartomeu would agree to step down if Mess stays at the club. If Messi is truly considering leaving his club, Manchester City seems like the most likely option for him. The Citizens are the only club in Europe who would truly have the cash to pay for his wages and bonuses. The Citizens also have Pep Guardiola who Messi has been yearning to work with again, In recent days, Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan and Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have both been linked but I don't know if they have the funds. Another Interesting but unlikely move would be to Juventus, Messi and Ronaldo in the same team would be crazy to see. I am pretty sure that Messi will end up staying but seeing him in the Premier League in the would be great. Everyone who thought Messi would retire a one-club man could now be proven wrong.