28 Nov 2014 11:51:11
Hi Ed

Any truth to the rumours that Messi might be moving to Chelsea?

{Ed002's Note - Although his club have not been hawking him around, my expectation is that he will be made available and Barcelona will start looking to rebuild around Neymar from January 2016 when they can start bring players in again and I expect that Barcelona will make Messi available from next summer. A number of questions have been asked of representatives of UEFA regarding the transfer of the very high-end players and the impact on FFP. It is clear that exceptions would need to be put in place as the alternative could be lawsuits from players regarding restrictions on trade. In the past Messi has turned down a transfer to one side who had agreed to meet Barcelona's then €250M price tag, and Barcelona and a commercial partner resisted an approach by a commercial organisation on behalf of an English side with an offer to buy the player. I am aware that in Spain there has been speculation about an offer being made during teh summer 2014 transfer window, but it is "largely" incorrect. This all started in 2012 when in mid December Anzhi made an offer to Barcelona that matched the €250M euro release clause that existed in his contract, and put up what I am told was a "very" significant personal package. However, Messi was not interested in a move to Ruissia and Barcelona did not want to sell - so Messi, in early February 2013, extended his contract with Barcelona. In the early summer of 2013 efforts were being made by Adidas to broker a deal that would get Messi away from Nike and to one of their three high-profile clubs. Very quickly Real Madrid were ruled out and with Pep Guardiola moving to Bayern Munich that pretty much saw the end of any chance of a move there (given the strained relationship) at the time. This left Chelsea and I can confirm that discussions were held about making a firm bid - at this point we are late 2013 and early 2014 and Messi was in a verbal spat with Barcelona about getting a further extension - which the club were against. Ultimately, the player was (at least in his eyes) available during the Spring of 2014 and at that point Chelsea and Adidas made his management representatives and Barcelona aware of what they would be willing to pay. Since then he has again extended his contract with Barcelona. I understand that again they see three possible destinations for the player but I am not going to get involved in any further speculation at this time.}

1.) 28 Nov 2014
28 Nov 2014 12:58:45
me being thick ed does this mean he might be available?

2.) 28 Nov 2014
Wow Ed, that's a whallop :) great info, thanks man

3.) 28 Nov 2014
28 Nov 2014 14:36:45
Thank you for the fascinating info Ed.

4.) 28 Nov 2014
I wonder if Adidas would be thinking what a way to start their relationship with Manchester United following the world record kit deal?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

5.) 28 Nov 2014
Ne99il, with the sort of deal Adidas gave Utd, I'd expect Adidas to tell Utd they'd have to fund the deal by themselves. Any further investment in Utd, and they might as well just buy them.

6.) 28 Nov 2014
What a fascinating story Ed 002 many thanks for sharing that.

7.) 28 Nov 2014
Thank you for the comprehensive answer Ed x

8.) 28 Nov 2014
Fantastic input as always Ed002, much appreciated!

9.) 28 Nov 2014
28 Nov 2014 18:05:42
I've been saying for a while I have a feeling we are going to possibly add a mega star to the side. I can really see Roman doing it. Great input ed02.

10.) 29 Nov 2014
29 Nov 2014 00:37:45
I think roman might try to add Messi to his Francis bacon collection.

11.) 29 Nov 2014
29 Nov 2014 01:13:00
Mother of god! You are a champion mate.

12.) 29 Nov 2014
29 Nov 2014 01:48:25
Ed002, would it spell the end for one of Costa, Oscar, Or hazard? Or are they not related

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about.}

13.) 29 Nov 2014
Making a mountain out of a molehill here guys, Ed has only said he EXPECTS Barcelona will make him available has of next summer. and that there are 3 possible destinations. Everyone needs to chill a bit because this is the kind of thing where he won't put up this sort of information because people read into it to much I am just saying none of us want to loose him again. KTBFFH hopefully 3 pts today come on you bluessssss!!

14.) 30 Nov 2014
Aron.really!!!

15.) 01 Dec 2014
Ed are the 3 possible destinations the same clubs as previously?

{Ed002's Note - No, but it is unimportant.}