LIONEL MESSI will reportedly take FIVE things into consideration when deciding whether to sign a new Barcelona.
The Nou Camp legend will make a decision over his future at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Lionel Messi has been with Barcelona since 2001Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi tried to force his way out of the club in the summer after he handed in his transfer request.
But the 33-year-old eventually withdrew his demand to leave and agreed to stay for one more season.
Manchester City were believed to be leading the race for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s signature.
A bitter legal battle scuppered his move and his desire to quit sparked ‘brutal drama’ in his family.
According to Madrid based paper Marca, five key factors will influence whether he decides to extend his stay at Barca.
CLUB PRESIDENT
The most important factor of all for Messi is reportedly who replaces Josep Maria Bartomeu at the Nou Camp.
Bartomeu ended his reign as club president last month when he announced his resignation.
The Spaniard, 57, was particularly damaged by his handling of Messi’s situation this summer.
If Bartomeu’s replacement gets the forward’s approval, he could be convinced to sign on the dotted line.
Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from his role at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty
SPORTING DIRECTOR
Before he makes his decision, Messi also allegedly wants to know what will happen over the next few years regarding the sporting director role.
Barcelona confirmed in August that Ramon Planes had taken over the role after Eric Abidal was sacked.
Planes has since insisted that the club are doing everything in their power to tie down Messi.
He said: “We are not contemplating any kind of departure because what we want is for Messi to stay,
“We only have enormous respect for Leo Messi. Barca and Leo are like a marriage, where both have given so much to each other, and have brought so much joy to the fans.
“I think the future is positive. I am an optimist. We need experienced players, like Leo Messi, as well as players for the team’s future.
“We are putting every effort into ensuring that the relationship between Barca and Messi will continue. We are working internally to convince Leo”.
Sporting director Ramon Planes is determined to convince Lionel Messi to stayCredit: AFP or licensors
MANAGER
Marca report Messi also wants to know the club’s plans regarding their manager over the next few years.
Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been in charge of the club since August.
But the 57-year-old only signed a two-year deal when he joined the Spanish giants.
And Barcelona’s run of results this season have been far from convincing.
As things stand, the Nou Camp side are eighth in the LaLiga table with just 11 points from seven games.
Ronald Koeman has endured a tough start to life at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters
TRANSFER PLANS
Messi is also interested to find out about Barcelona’s plans for the upcoming transfer windows.
He slated the club for ‘kicking out’ Luis Suarez after he joined Atletico Madrid this summer.
The pair became great friends during their time together at the Nou Camp.
But manager Koeman told former Liverpool star Suarez that he had no future at the club.
In a highly emotional post put out on Instagram, Messi admitted ‘nothing surprises me anymore’.
If there are anymore abrupt exits like Suarez’s, the 33-year-old could decide to leave.
Lionel Messi was furious that the club offloaded Luis Suarez this summerCredit: Reuters
FORM
Messi also plans to monitor his own form, and the team’s form, throughout the season.
He was dropped from the starting line-up for Barcelona’s game against Real Betis.
But he inspired them to victory when he came on at half time when the score was locked at 1-1.
Messi scored twice and added another assist to his tally.
But Barcelona will need to climb back up the LaLiga table if they want to keep hold of him in the summer.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side wanted to sign Lionel Messi this summerCredit: PA:Press Association
Lionel Messi could be available to leave the club on a free transfer next summerCredit: Reuters
Watch Messi and his kids play football with HUGE pet dog Hulk as wife Antonela drinks Barcelona star’s special beer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
