Signing one of the greatest – if not the greatest – footballer of all time would seem to be a no-brainer.
But after Lionel Messi’s bombshell revelation that he wants to leave Barcelona, every big club in Europe has been weighing up the possibilities of landing the Argentina ace.
Manchester City are being seen as the most likely destination for the 33-year-old – and the Blues have been confident that if he ever did leave they would be best-placed to grab him.
But there are plenty of things for the Blues to consider before they make a move - and the key could be whether Messi can extricate himself from his contract for nothing or at least if Barca accept a compromise deal which would avoid a damaging and costly legal wrangle with a club legend.
So what will City be considering before they contemplate any attempt to take Messi?
For Messi
The football – over and above everything, Messi is a phenomenal footballer, and the prospect of linking him up with stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden could take City to the next level in Europe as well.
PR and merchandise – Messi’s name sells, and while his wage demands would be astronomical, City could recoup that in terms of replica shirt sales, marketing and merchandise. They could also push ahead with stadium expansion knowing he puts bums on seats.
Icon factor – Messi would be their first truly global superstar, a level above Aguero, and would make the Blues a true world super-club. Aguero has been used as the face of City Far East tours, but Messi would put them on the top level in terms of selling to Asian, North American and other markets.
Influence – having an example like Messi in the squad should rub off on City youngsters like Foden and Tommy Doyle. No-one would be expected to emulate him, but they could all learn.
Attracting players – the Pep Guardiola factor has already helped City attract players in the transfer market, and the prospect of lining up alongside Messi would be just as big a selling point when Txiki Begiristain is seeking new faces.
The name – right from the start City have sought the one big name which would set them out as a global player. Robinho was a statement signing whch did not quite work out, they tried for Kaka and failed, and since then Carlos Tevez, Aguero and Yaya Toure have all come close. But Messi is on another level.
Against Messi
Age – Messi is 33, which means anything more than a two-year deal would be a big risk, especially on the kind of wages the player will get. City’s policy is not to offer anyone over 30 more than one year but that would have to be thrown out to get him.
The fit – Guardiola has been honing the attacking side of his team beautifully, and wherever Messi plays he could disrupt the evolution and flow of the team. Whether his undoubted individual brilliance balances out that team ethic would remain to be seen.
Work ethic – Guardiola laid it on the line to Aguero that he expects all of his players to work hard as well as play well. Messi appears have baulked at Ronald Koeman’s suggestion that his exemption from the expected Barcelona work ethic is over. Again, is his excellence worth breaking that golden rule?
Wage structure – Messi will seek an enormous wage which would break the current structure and no doubt lead to renewed demands from other star names. City walked away from Alexis Sanchez’s huge ask.
Phil Foden – after being repeatedly told he would succeed David Silva, Foden could again find himself scrapping for a place with Messi, De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling. That could stunt his development into a world star humself.
Privileges – Guardiola and Messi have not worked together for eight seasons, and Messi has become a privileged player, one treated differently than the rest. Guardiola has built a City squad based on equality – so Messi would either have to accept that or City will have to adapt to him.
