Messi will leave, will Kane remain? – JoongAng Ilbo

Lionel Messi (34), who is likely to remain, leaves for Paris, and Harry Kane (28), who is likely to leave, will remain in London.

Barcelona announced on the 6th (Korean time) that “the club has reached an agreement with Messi, but the contract cannot be renewed due to economic and structural reasons due to La Liga rules.”

After the contract expired in June, Messi and Barcelona have focused on renewing their contracts. Messi also announced his intention to remain a ‘one club man’ by taking a 50% salary cut. However, due to financial fair play and salary cap rules, Barcelona abandoned Messi.

European media such as Sky Sports in the UK reported the news of Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as soon as the news of the contract renewal broke out. Messi, who is a free agent, does not incur transfer fees.

The content is specific. ESPN reported that PSG had offered Messi a three-year contract. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino also said on the 6th that “Messi is possible. The club is working on it.” Sky Sports reports that Messi’s annual salary will reach £25 million before tax.

PSG has significantly strengthened its roster during the off-season. They signed Giorginio Bejnaldum, Achiraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Last season, they were eliminated from the Champions League semifinals, but this time they are looking to win.

Harry Kane’s transfer to Manchester City is getting tougher. [AP=연합뉴스]

On the other hand, Kane’s move to Manchester City, the hottest part of the summer transfer window, seems to be getting harder. On the 7th, Kane said on his social media service (SNS), “I never refused training.

Kane did not join the team after a three-week break following the European Championships 2020 (Euro 2020) last month. It was also reported that Tottenham would be fined for not attending training without permission. The BBC reported that “Kane has communicated to the club that he wants to leave for Manchester City.”

Kane won the top scorer (23 goals) and assists (14 goals) last year. However, the team stayed in 7th place in the Premier League and was not able to play in the Champions League or the Europa League. As Kane, who has never won a championship since his professional debut in 2011, he had a strong desire to leave for the ‘trophy’. However, he was on a contract with Tottenham until 2024, and he has gone out of his way to fulfill his demands.

But Tottenham and Chairman Daniel Levy did not falter. It seems that Kane will not be sent to Manchester City unless it is a huge transfer fee of £150 million.

Of course, there is still the possibility that Kane will leave Tottenham. City manager Pep Guardiola said: “We are interested in Kane. If Tottenham want it, we will try to negotiate.” If Messi, who is also rumored to be moving to Manchester City, confirms his destination with PSG, Manchester City is also expected to take a more active approach to Kane.

By Kim Hyo-kyung, staff reporter kaypubb@joongang.co.kr