Lionel Messi is desperate to leave Barcelona after his attempts to break free of his contract in the summer failed to materialise and the club's financial situation could now offer a solution.
The Spanish club forced their players to take a 70 per cent deduction in their wages at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, with fresh negotiations now set to take place.
Messi was angered by the way Barca chiefs approached the previous cuts and that was one of the factors which contributed to him requesting to leave the Nou Camp this summer.
However, according to Marca, there may now be another option available to Messi.
Barca are reportedly looking to implement more pay cuts, with each department at the Catalan club now asked to vote for a representative to discuss terms on their behalf.
The report then claim that Barcelona staff are protected by law based on Article 41 of the Workers’ Statute – a clause which professional athletes have used previously to terminate their own contract.
Such a scenario would allow the Barcelona captain to tear up his contract with the club in January, or wait until June when his deal expires anyway.
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Manchester City are believed to be the front runners for his signature, unless the club choose to omit Messi in the process.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
