Manchester City legend Sergio Agüero is all set to reunite with his Argentinian teammate Lionel Messi after accepting a two-year contract with FC Barcelona. The striker will be taking a pay cut but his desired destination was always Camp Nou, claim sources.
The deal between the two parties will be announced following the end of the season. While the La Liga club have nothing to play for following their exit in the La Liga race, Manchester City are set to feature in their first ever Champions League final.
Sources claim that three clubs were interested in the veteran striker, but chose FC Barcelona where he is promised a bonus should the club win the Champions League.
The 2020-21 campaign was far from ideal for Agüero who struggled with injuries leading to only 18 appearances and 4 goals. Moreover, enhanced results with the false 9 have prompted Pep Guardiola to play without a striker for the majority portion of the second half of the season.
The Manchester City boss heaped praise on the departing striker, who is expected to play in their final domestic game of the season against Everton, at home
“His performance when he fit was fit was incredible, “I am pretty sure the 10,000 fans that will be in the stadium will show for the rest of the fans around the world, and will give him his tribute and gratitude for what he’s done for this club in terms of titles, numbers, performance – incredible.” Guardiola said.
Agüero would hope for a memorable farewell after his previous appearance was marred by a missed panenka attempt against Chelsea.
Agüero marks the start of a Barcelona revamp
Apart from the Argentinian striker, the club are also planning to rope in Memphis Depay from Lyon. The Dutch winger has already expressed his desire to join the club to his lawyers.
While the contract situation of Lionel Messi hangs in the balance, the club looks to bolster the attack next season with the two acquisitions, the return of Ansu Fati and promising La Masia candidates along with the regular first-team starters.
The acquisition of 33-year-old Agüero comes as a surprise, considering that the club let go of an in-form Luis Suarez, citing age. The Uruguayan striker is a single point away from winning the La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
According to sources, wonderkid Erling Haaland was the club’s first choice, but the hefty price tag proves to be the restricting factor in the volatile times when it comes to club finances.
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