BARCELONA will reportedly only sell Lionel Messi for a record £199million fee.
The 33-year-old stunned the LaLiga giants as he handed in a transfer request to leave on a free.
Lionel Messi has made his decision to leave BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features
Messi demanded Barcelona exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for nothing.
But the club are convinced that the clause has expired – and want the biggest fee in football history for him.
According to Catalan Broadcaster RAC, Barcelona want at least £199m for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
That fee would eclipse the £198million Paris Saint-Germain paid to sign Neymar in 2017.
The source states that the club’s board have made it clear Messi will not be allowed to leave for nothing.
Barcelona believe he is under contract with them until 2021, with a release clause of £630million.
Messi has achieved legendary status at the Nou Camp since his debut in 2004.
He has helped the club win 10 Spanish league titles and four Champions Leagues.
But his decision to walk away from the club comes after their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.
A legal battle between the player and Barcelona is now set to take place over the clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free.
Messi’s representatives will argue that an extension should be granted due to the delays caused the coronavirus pandemic.
Unsurprisingly, the Argentine legend has had no shortage of interest.
Reports claim the 33-year-old has already been in contact with Pep Guardiola over a move to Manchester City.
Manchester United are among the favourites to sign him, while Arsenal have also emerged as shock contenders.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu is under huge pressure to resignCredit: Reuters
Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
