Transfer news: '£209m for Lionel Messi? That's absurd' says Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after he rubbishes links with Barcelona forward
Reports in Spain suggested that the Champions League holders were prepared to meet Messi's release clause but the Bayern chairman has dismissed any possibility of such a move
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Your support makes all the difference.A record-shattering €250m offer for Lionel Messi has been rubbished by Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge despite reports suggesting the Champions League holders could attempt to reunite the Argentinian star and manager Pep Guardiola.
Reports in Spain suggested that the Bundesliga leaders could activate Messi’s £209m release clause in an effort to further strengthen their already blossoming squad, with honorary president Franz Beckenbauer adding fuel to the speculation after admitting Messi would be a “good fit” for the Bayern squad when speaking to Bild.
But Rummenigge has spoken out to rubbish the move claiming that the fee is simply too much for any club to afford, despite the four-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly considering his options at the Catalan club according to further reports coming out of Spain in recent weeks.
“Messi? We are talking about figures here that are simply absurd, a transfer fee that is even higher than what we spent on Javi Martinez. We won't go there,” Rummenigge said when speaking to Sky90.
“Plus I know Sandro Rosell. Barcelona would never sell Messi. He is a saint at Barcelona and they will not sell him.
“And I think it would be in Messi's best interest to stay at Barcelona. He fits in perfectly there.”
The 26-year-old is currently sidelined due to a groin injury he picked up earlier this month in the victory over Real Betis, and he is not due to return until January at the earliest. His management team have rubbished rumours that he is unhappy with the treatment he is receiving from the Barcelona physio staff, and has admitted that he is happy with the current Spanish league champions with whom he has a contract until the end of the 2017-18 season.
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