Barcelona contract news: Lionel Messi in line for new deal as club makes these two key promises to star man
Argentine has just over 18 months to run on current deal and wants a number of guarantees before signing fresh terms
BARCELONA know they can’t afford to lose Lionel Messi.
The Argentine has just over 18 months to run on his current deal and isn’t making life easy for the Nou Camp hierarchy.
Manchester City have been linked with an audacious swoop, and there’s every chance Barca will be forced to cash in next summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.
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But Spanish newspaper claims the club are feeling confident they can tie Messi down to a new deal after meeting a number of provisions.
President Josep Bartomeu has already revealed he expects talks to commence shortly, and it’s believed a number of safeguards are in place to ensure Messi’s future lies in the Catalan capital.
Like Andres Iniesta, Barcelona are ready to offer Messi a contract for life – meaning he can decide when he wants to call it a day.
The forward is open to the agreement if he is promised more titles and a comfortable environment, two things Barca chiefs believe they have firmly in check.
Messi is respected by all his colleagues and was given numerous holidays to rest and relax after the Copa America, and the club are in no doubt he’s happy living in the city.
Silverware is also expected to keep flowing in after a number of stars including Samuel Umtiti, Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer were signed over the summer.
Neymar, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have all signed new deals since the start of the season, and Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are set to follow suit.
Messi’s decision will surely be swayed by the renewal of six players who started in the Champions League final win over Juventus in 2015.
And Barca are reportedly plotting to sign a number of top youngsters in order to challenge for trophies in the future.
All that’s left is for Messi to thrash out terms, but Sport adds Barca could be left waiting until January at the earlier before seeing any movement from their star man.