Chelsea manager biggest obstacle to Messi heading for the Bridge
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Rumours are coming out this morning that Lionel Messi is beginning to grow frustrated at his ongoing tax trial in Spain and may be looking to head abroad.
Three Premier League clubs are reportedly in the running to sign the Barcelona maestro, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, and all will be desperate to bring in the man seen by many as the best in the world.
Of course, there’s every likelihood he remains loyal to Barcelona where he’s been since a boy, but if this case drags on, it could become a reality.
The decision will likely not be made by the teams but by Messi who will have his pick of destinations should he decide to call an end to his time at the Camp Nou.
Here are the pros and cons for each team:
Chelsea
The lure of London is a big one for players coming from abroad, as Liverpool found when Alexis Sanchez chose Arsenal over Liverpool.
Geographical superiority isn’t the only factor and the chance to link up with England’s most recent Champions League winners may be a pull for the four time Ballon d’Or winner.
Conversely, Jose Mourinho’s constant provocation of Barcelona while at Real Madrid would have surely rubbed the Argentine forward up the wrong way, and if the Portuguese manager stays, Messi may think twice about heading to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City
The Pep-Guardiola-to-Man-City rumour has such a strong presence in football and it doesn’t seem likely to go away anytime soon.
Bayern Munich’s manager doesn’t like to stay at clubs for long and may leave Germany at the end of the season, so linking up with his former boss would surely be enticing for the Barca man.
However, their history in the Champions League isn’t strong and the four-time European Cup winner won’t want to end his continental triumphs.
Manchester United
Being the most successful team in Premier League history, United’s pedigree can at least rival Barcelona’s.
United’s standing across the world will not go unnoticed by Messi, and the diminutive forward may want to become a part of that legacy.
On the other hand, he may want to avoid a stint at Old Trafford just in case he draws anymore comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo.
