A third of all bets have backed a Guardiola reunion
Manchester City have been cut into clear odds-on favourites to sign Lionel Messi this transfer window, with punters backing the move in their droves.
Since reports the Argentinean maestro will leave the club this summer, bookies have cut odds from 4/1 into as short as 4/6.
That’s due to the heavy flow of bets backing a reunion with Pep Guardiola, with 33% of all bets in the market backing the blue side of Manchester.
It’s now more likely that Messi joins City than stays at Barcelona, say bookies, with odds set at 1/1 that he remains at the Nou Camp.
Inter Milan are the next most likely destination after City, although they have drifted out to 14/1 for the multiple Ballon d’Or winner.
PSG (14/1) are the same price, with Manchester United a shade longer at 16/1. Chelsea are 20/1, followed by Juventus at 33/1.
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Several bets have backed Chelsea in the market, prompting Betfred to cut odds from 14/1 into 10/1.
In the same time period, 26% of all bets in the market have backed Messi to stay at Barcelona beyond the window.
Leading football stats providers, WhoScored.com, revealed that Messi's best rated LaLiga season came in Guardiola's last at the Barcelona helm (8.88 in 2011/12). He scored 50(!) goals and provided 16 assists.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “It's finally happening. After a long and unspeakably successful stint at Barcelona, it seems that Lionel Messi is leaving the Catalan giants.
“A reunion with former manager Pep Guardiola looks a tempting prospect for Messi, and Manchester City's owners certainly have the financial clout to foot the bill.”
- Man City - 4/6
- Inter Milan - 14/1
- PSG - 14/1
- Man Utd - 18/1
- Chelsea - 20/1
- Juventus 33/1
- Newell's Old Boys - 33/1
- Bayern Munich - 66/1
