Lionel Messi, arguably the world's greatest soccer player, may be packing his bags and moving not only to another team, but to another country. Messi has "never been closer to leaving Barcelona," according to Sky Sports.
"It is the closest he's ever been to leaving Barcelona. It doesn't mean he will but it is the closest he has ever been to leaving the club," the report said.
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Though he's been with the club since joining their youth academy as a teenager, rumors have been flying that the 28-year-old has been unhappy with the club, and recent legal troubles may also be pushing the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or player out the door. Messi is currently facing up to 22 months on charges of tax fraud with his father to the tune of $4.6 million from 2007-09.
"The climate, not just at the Camp Nou but in Catalonia, is probably enough to make him and his family scratch their heads and wonder," said soccer commentator Graham Hunter, who added the legal woes may be factoring into the possibility of moving clubs.
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So, if he did move, where would Messi go? Though any potential conversations are still in their early stages, Premier League teams Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City have all already expressed interest in poaching the superstar. So, where would be the best fit?
Manchester United
After their recent £750 million kit deal with Adidas over the summer, Manchester United certainly has the cash to go after Messi and a transfer that would probably cost around £200 million because of his release clause. Having already brought on Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria for £57.9 million, Man U is poised to make big moves and may be one of the only teams in the world that can afford Messi.
Chelsea
Though they don't have as big of a bank account as Man U, Chelsea could try to make a move for Messi as well. Chelsea may have a one-up on other teams in the fact that they recently signed Messi's former teammate Pedro in August. Shortly after the transfer, Messi wished his friend and teammate good luck with a Facebook post.
Han sido años llenos de muy lindos momentos juntos... ¡Mucha suerte en tu nueva etapa Pedro!We've shared really great moments together over the years. Good luck in this new chapter of your life, Pedro!- LIO
Posted by Leo Messi on Thursday, August 20, 2015
That might not be enough to draw Messi to Chelsea, but a familiar face is also welcome when making a change.
Manchester City
With considerably less cash to play with than Manchester United, Manchester City would likely have a much harder time signing Messi, but the fact they've been mentioned repeatedly in all the transfer rumor talks is something that shouldn't be ignored.
Given their prestige in the Premier League, Manchester City could be a dark horse destination for Messi, and until they're completely blocked out of conversations with Messi's representatives, don't rule them out.
I believe top PL clubs have been surprised by the reception of their approaches. It doesn't mean Messi would go 4 sure but he is listening
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) October 23, 2015
Of course, this may all be conjecture, and Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said anyone who says Messi is leaving his team, "should be embarrassed." But of course that's what he's going to say when trying to hold on to the best player in the world.
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