Barcelona forward Lionel Messi’s new contract a clause which could allow him to leave the club should Catalonia gain independence, it is reported.
The Argentine’s new deal at the Camp Nou was announced in late November after much anticipation but a report in Friday’s El Mundo outlines this potentially crucial clause.
It reportedly stipulates the terms of the contract are only valid if the club remain in the Spanish league system (or English, French or German) but not a separate league only for the Catalan region.
La Liga have continually suggested that should Catalonia gain independence, they would not automatically be allowed back into the league system, along with Espanyol and Girona.
This would see Messi’s €700m release clause totally eradicated and would allow him to depart on a free transfer, continues the report.
Barca are said to be confident such a scenario would never unfold, hence their acceptance of incorporating the clause into such a deal.
