Barcelona star Lionel Messi is reportedly looking for a release clause to be inserted in his next contract, one that allows a return to Argentina.
The 29-year-old is expected to sign what will be his eighth contract since joining the Catalan giants as he continues to play a pivotal role in their success.
Having scored 316 goals in 353 La Liga appearances, coupled with 86 in 107 Champions League outings, it’s fair to say that he’s earned a new deal.
However, according to Diario Gol, he is requesting something that he has never asked for previously, and that is a release clause in his contract which promises to allow him to return to Newell’s Old Boys further down the line.
It’s reiterated in the report that the Argentine international has no intention of leaving Spain any time soon, and he is expected to continue to play an integral role for the La Liga champions while he is still performing at a high level.
Nevertheless, he has a desire to return to the club where his youth career began in 1994, and he wants to ensure that Barca will respect his wishes when he eventually decides that the time is right to move back and enjoy the final years of his playing career in Argentina.
It isn’t discussed in the report as to whether or not Barca are open to satisfying his demands, but ultimately it would be a surprise if they didn’t and allowed it to become a sticking point in negotiations.
Messi has missed the last two league games with injury, but that didn’t prevent him from bagging eight goals and five assists in eight appearances prior to the setback just to reiterate what he still means to Barcelona’s success on the pitch.