Lionel Messi 16/1 to complete Man City transfer despite Barcelona announcement

With his statement that he will remain at Barcelona this season, the Lionel Messi transfer saga has come to an end.

Or has it?

In a period ripe for embarrassing, high-profile U-turns, Paddy Power make it 16/1 that the Argentine wizard completes a move to Manchester City this summer after all.

In what has been as episodic a saga as the Star Wars franchise – probably – the betting has veered wildly from one extreme to another. A week ago, Messi was odds-on to be reunited with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

? WORLD EXCLUSIVE ?

We spoke to Lionel Messi about why he felt forced to leave Barcelona, how it devastated his family and what his future looks like now ?

— Goal (@goal) September 4, 2020

Now, betting has been suspended on the market – and it’s odds against (5/2) that Messi doesn’t renew his contract at Barcelona next summer.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Messi joining Man City was ridiculous, unbelievable, and yet kind of a formality in recent days.

“This twist appears to have ruled the transfer out – for this weekend, anyway.”

THE CHANGING ODDS OF A TRANSFER SAGA

Friday 28^th, 2.45pm: Evens to stay at Barcelona, 8/11 to go to Man City

Sunday 30^th, 10am: 13/8 to stay

2.15pm: 8/11 to stay

Thursday 3^rd September, 10am: 4/6 to stay, 11/10 to go

12pm:  1/5 to stay, 10/3 to go

Friday 4^th 1.30pm: 5/6 to stay, 5/6 to go

3.30pm: 1/10 to stay, 11/2 to go

5pm: Betting suspended on staying, 16/1 to go

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