Messi Agrees New Two-year Deal at Barcelona

Lionel Messi has agreed a new two-year deal at Barcelona, quashing the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

The Argentine superstar sent the footballing world into meltdown little less than a year ago as he revealed he wanted to leave the club he’s represented since 2000.

To say Messi has become an integral part of the Barcelona team since making his debut for the senior side in 2003 would be a little bit of an understatement.

The 33-year-old has gone on to become Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer, spearheading their charge towards four Champions League crowns and ten La Liga titles.

Despite remaining at Camp Nou following the revelation he wanted to leave the club, speculation surrounding his future has continued to swirl, yet Spanish journalist Miguel Rico now reports that a new two-year deal as been agreed that will see Messi remain in Catalonia.

The news comes mere hours after Barça confirmed the arrival of Messi’s international colleague and friend Sergio Aguero, perhaps no coincidence given one of the main reasons Messi was said to be unhappy at Barcelona last summer was the club’s decision to sell close friend Luis Suarez to rivals Atletico Madrid.

The finer details of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s reported new deal have yet to be revealed, though the news will no doubt be music to the ears of Barcelona fans.

The Blaugrana have a huge transfer window ahead of them as they look to regain their La Liga crown having missed out on the Spanish title in both of the last two seasons.

Given their eye-watering debts, the club are being forced to scour the free-agent market in their bid to bolster their squad, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay both said to be on their summer wish list.

The club have already secured two free signings following the arrivals of Aguero and his former Manchester City teammate Eric Garcia.

In another development, Manchester City have reignited their interest in Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto, who is expected to be sold this summer.

Roberto, whose contract has just one year left to run, struggled greatly with injuries last season, managing just 20 appearances in all competitions.

Sport revealed in May that Barcelona were prepared to offload the 29-year-old in favour of committing to young Sergino Dest, and the same outlet has now claimed that City are back in the mix for his signature.

City enquired about Roberto last summer but were informed he was not for sale.

However, this last injury-hit season has seen Barcelona reconsider their options and Pep Guardiola is keen to take advantage of that.

Guardiola sees Roberto as a possible alternative for Joao Cancelo, whom The Athletic note isn’t particularly happy with life at the Etihad after rotating with Kyle Walker under the Spaniard.

Roberto would prefer to stay at Barcelona but has made it clear that he will happily jump ship and join City if his current employers make it clear that he is no longer wanted at Camp Nou, which seems like just a matter of time.

Real Betis recently confirmed (via Marca) that Barcelona have triggered their buy-back option on 22-year-old Emerson – who will join Dest ahead of Roberto in the right-back pecking order at the club – so there appears to be no need for the latter anymore.