‘Messi can talk transfers in January’ - Font demands Bartomeu resignation

Font believes Bartomeu’s resignation is required now so Messi can be offered ‘guarantees’ over Barcelona’s future plans.

Lionel Messi, who will be out of contract on June 2021, confirmed last week he’ll remain at Barcelona until then despite pushing for an exit this summer.

The forward hoped to exploit a clause that would’ve made his contract void at the end of last season. But Josep Maria Bartomeu denied his request, stating it had to be made before June 10. Thus, the only other route out would’ve been if an interested club paid his €700m release clause.

Aware of how unlikely that would’ve been, on top of his desire to not take legal action against Barca, Messi settled on continuing at Camp Nou for 2020/21.

“In the end, he did not end up keeping his word.”

Lionel Messi says Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu broke a promise to let him leave the club. pic.twitter.com/0My6dyyM85

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 5, 2020

But while Barcelona can breathe a sigh of relief that their skipper is going nowhere, it’s only temporary as he can begin talks with clubs outside Spain over a transfer on January 2021.

Presidential candidate Victor Font, therefore, believes action must be taken now to convince Messi of staying beyond next year, starting with Bartomeu’s position as club president.

The elections may be coming up on March 2021, but Font is certain a new board with a project of ‘maximum winning possibility’ for the future should be installed now.

“The next project should begin as soon as possible,” Font said on Diario Sport.

“Leo can negotiate from January with another club and it’s necessary for Messi to believe these guarantees for the future before he’s free.

“The board should resign and start the elections as quickly as we can.

“In the coming months there will be important decisions for the future of the club and Messi too. If the elections are not brought forward it will not be possible for a new president to make these calls.”