FFP Law Could Help Manchester United Sign Lionel Messi, Chelsea To Miss Out

With the on-going storms at the Nou Camp, Lionel Messi’s future with the club remains unknown following recent speculations that the Barcelona star is dreaming of life outside of the club.

Speculations have surrounded the Argentine after it was rumored that the club’s star player and manager, Luis Enrique have fallen out.

Messi’s recent act on Twitter, after following Chelsea FC fueled what was considered a mere rumor and further speculations suggestion Chelsea had lined up outrageous amount to see the Argentine at the Stamford Bridge.

However, as much as the dream to see Messi at Chelsea will be relished by Chelsea fans, it will always be a dream that will never materialize.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain can all kiss the dream of signing the Argentine goodbye, all thanks to the Financial Fair Play regulation.

Manchester United and Real Madrid are the only two clubs that could sign Lionel Messi for an outright fee within Financial Fair Play rules – a disappointing news for Europe big spenders.

And considering that the outlook of Messi moving from Barcelona to rival club is unlikely, then the Old Trafford club may be the only realistic destination for the Argentine if he was to leave the Nou Camp.

A bid of £196million would meet Messi’s buy-out clause and force Barcelona to sell if the player intends to leave the club.

If a club exceeds losses of more than £23.5m over a three-year period that includes the current campaign, they open themselves to the prospect of sanctions by UEFA.

This explains why the big spenders in Europe will sadly fold their cards on Messi as every big club fears the wrath of the European body.

Financial expert, Rob Wilson, however has stated that only Manchester United and Real Madrid are capable of signing the Argentine.

“With the revenue they generate and cash reserves, only United and Real Madrid could pay the fee,” he said.

To affirm this, Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland acknowledged that the prospect of ever signing Messi was unlikely due to FFP rules.

Holland said: ‘Signing (someone like him) under FFP I would think is impossible. We have to balance the books here.’

While Chelsea’s dream move for the Ballon d’Or winner cannot materialize as long as the ‘FFP’ stands and with Messi torn between the huge rivalry of Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Barcelona star may never flinch a muscle when Real Madrid comes knocking.

Real Madrid club legend and goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, bluntly confirmed that there’s no way the Spanish giant would want to sign Messi;

“No! [When asked if Real Madrid would want to sign Messi] With the squad we have right now, we are doing very well and are achieving great things”

With Real Madrid out of the way, Manchester United and the Old Trafford remains the only club who could sign the Argentine should he ever consider leaving the Nou Camp.