Lionel Messi is being lined up by Hebei China Fortune in a transfer that would shock world football, as the government funded Chinese Super League, is set to break the bank to make the deal happen.
Messi whose contract runs until 2021 and reportedly contains a £618m release clause, has been at Barcelona for his entire career and turned down a move to China last summer, but according to Mundo Deportivo, Hebei Fortune remain undeterred in their quest to sign the 30-year-old superstar.
The Super League side already have Messi’s compatriot, Ezequiel Lavezzi in their ranks, reportedly earning £10m-per-year.
Ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of the side that finished fourth in last year’s Chinese Super League, while former Barcelona and Liverpool star, Javier Mascherano became the Chilean manager’s latest signing.
The 33-year-old left the Catalan giants after seven years of service, recently making his debut in a 2-1 friendly win over Spartak Moscow.
Pellegrini would dearly love to add Messi to his team’s ranks as they look to overthrow Guangzhou Evergrande. And the hope is that with two Argentine stars to help him settle, Messi could be tempted into heading East.
Messi has been typically proficient in front of goal so far as Barcelona run away with La Liga. He has netted 27 goals in 34 games in all competitions this season, alongside 14 assists.
