Lionel Messi Reportedly to Pen New Barcelona Deal Until 2021 with €300M Clause

Lionel Messi will reportedly put pen to paper on a new deal with Barcelona next week that will tie him to the club until 2021, with the option of another year on top. 

According to Luis F. Rojo of Marca, the Argentinian superstar and the Camp Nou club have finally agreed on new terms after lengthy negotiations, and the contract will also include a €300 million (£263.8 million) release clause.

Messi's current deal is set to expire next summer, and Barca have been attempting to tie the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to new terms for some time, per Moises Llorens in AS.

It will come as a huge relief to all those involved with the Catalan club if Messi, 30, does sign his new deal next week, as the expiration date on his current contract is a little too close for comfort.

Messi joined Barcelona's academy in 2001, and he has been the club's most important player as they enjoyed stunning success over the last decade.

Though the Blaugrana failed to win their third La Liga title in a row in 2016-17—missing out to Real Madrid—and disappointed in the UEFA Champions League, Messi still returned more than 40 goals in all competitions, continuing a stunning record, per Opta:

He will again be vital under new manager Ernesto Valverde next term as Barca look to regain the Spanish title and establish themselves as Europe's best once more.

Messi committing his future to the club by penning a new deal would be an excellent summer boost for Barca ahead of pre-season.