LIONEL MESSI’S shock free transfer move to Manchester United has moved a step closer – after Barcelona’s transfer guru confessed a new deal for the superstar “is never easy”.
Both United and neighbours Manchester City want the Argentina star should he decide to quit the Nou Camp this summer.
Sporting director Abidal told Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo: “The question is for him, hopefully it continues.
“Leo said that Barca is everything for him, that he wants to stay here, from there there are conditions.
“We are talking about the best player in the world and having a renewal with such a player is never easy.”
Messi’s 25.5million-a-year contract ends in the summer of 2021.
But with Luis Suarez now 33 and Messi 32, Abidal indicated the Catalan giants will bring in a new striker next summer.
He said: “Yes, of course. As I said to prepare the future we cannot be wrong. Not signing a ‘9’ now I said before it is a risk part, that we assumed these five months to reach the strongest summer market.”
That is likely to mean a return to the Nou Camp for Neymar in what could potentially be a world record transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and a link up with new Barca boss Quique Setien.
Abidal said: “For Quique it would also be a pride to be able to train a player like Neymar or others here who have a lot of level.
“We may wish to have all the best players but not make mistakes in the growth of the players.”
The return of the Brazilian seems to be the key to whether Messi enjoys one big move before beginning to wind down his career.
Inter Milan and PSG are also interested in the South American maestro.
Messi himself took to social media to attack Abidal’s role at the club after criticism from his former team-mate at the performance of the squad.
He posted: “Those in charge of sporting direction should also face up to their responsibilities and above all take charge of their own decisions.”
City boss Pep Guardiola appeared to rule out a summer move for the player he worked with closely during their eight years together at Barca.
Messi joined the club in 2000 when he was 13.
Guardiola said: He is a player from Barcelona and he will stay there, thats my wish for him to stay there.
Im not going to talk about players playing for other clubs. I think he will finish his career there, thats my wish.
