Which English club would Lionel Messi prefer if he quit Barcelona?

The rumours suggest that Lionel Messi is unhappy and unsettled at Barcelona. It has been reported that the mega-rich clubs like Manchester City and Paris Sain-Germain are busy plotting a summer raid to secure his signature.

This begs the question: which Premier League club would be the most likely destination for Lionel Messi if he were to seek a move to the premier league this summer? We’d need to take into consideration some major factors that impact transfers such as transfer fee, wages, brand image of the club, sponsorship, footballing philosophies and more. Let’s have a look.

The dynamic, quick, fluid, attacking football at Liverpool and Arsenal would definitely suit Lionel Messi. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal would finally be able to look into the eyes of the European giants by pulling this deal off successfully.

This would also be the best way for Brendan Rogers to announce Liverpool’s return to the Europe’s elite. However, it is a well-known fact that Arsenal and Liverpool follow a very prudent strategy when it comes to transfer fees and wages. Thus, the potential destination for Lionel Messi would have to be Manchester City or Manchester United or Chelsea in England.

Manchester City:

Manchester City are preparing a £165m bid for Lionel Messi in the summer according to a Spanish news website El Confidencial. They certainly are one of the few clubs that can afford the wages and the transfer fee for Lionel Messi. Additionally, they have an existing contingent of Argentinian players like Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis, and Pablo Zabaletta which could help attract Messi to the blue side of Manchester.

It is a known fact that Sergio Aguero and Messi are the best of friends and that would certainly help. On the other hand, Messi himself knows well about Manuel Pellegrini and his footballing philosophy having seen him manage Malaga in La Liga. The attacking philosophy and the aesthetic beauty of Pellegrini’s teams would surely be appreciated by Lionel Messi. The only possible hindrance would be the lack of Barcelona-like tradition and heritage.

Manchester United:

Manchester United are a successful global brand that spins money like none other. If rumours are to be believed then the incoming manager  would have £200 million at his disposal for the summer transfer window. Manchester United could afford Lionel Messi’s transfer fee and also his wages given the kind of money they pay Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.

Manchester United have the history, heritage and the stature necessary to attract Lionel Messi. Unfortunately, the the lack of Champions League football next season would make this almost impossible. Finally, it is hard to imagine Lionel Messi wanting to join a team that is still coming to terms with life post Ferguson era.

Chelsea:

Chelsea are globally renowned for their financial muscle and would certainly have no problem affording Lionel Messi. Chelsea have consistently given a good record of themselves by winning trophies in the premiership and also on the European stage. Adidas could also help in making this transfer happen given their close ties with Lionel Messi and Chelsea. Nevertheless, the presence of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea could prove to be a hurdle for the deal to go through. It is hard to imagine Messi playing for Chelsea given  Jose Mourinho’s links with Real Madrid in the past.

I think Messi’s heart would say Manchester United because of their history, heritage and tradition, while his mind would say Manchester City. However, it is almost impossible to imagine Lionel Messi in any other jersey except Barcelona and he would most likely remain at Camp Nou.

What do you think?

Follow me on Twitter for more football related views and opinions Follow @Ahmad Sange

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.