Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi Reportedly Made Promise to Tito Vilanova

Lionel Messi "is only still at Barcelona because he promised it to Tito Vilanova at his deathbed," according to former Blaugrana assistant coach Henk ten Cate.

This extraordinary claim was published by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (h/t Stefan Coerts of Goal.com) and adds to speculation suggesting Messi could leave the Camp Nou after forming a difficult relationship with manager Luis Enrique:

"

As far as I know, these problems all started about two years ago. Messi is only still at Barcelona because he promised it to Tito Vilanova at his deathbed.

But I think a transfer would be in everybody's best interest. Lionel has been at Barcelona for quite a while and he needs a new challenge. He's still worth a lot of money now, but his value will only go down from here on.

"

David Ramos/Getty Images

Ten Cate continued by saying, "I really want to be supportive, because he has been on another level for 10 years. But I'm not sure he will get back to his best."

Messi is currently being linked with a transfer to Chelsea, with Paul Brown of the Daily Star suggesting a six-year contract is being primed for the Argentinian star.

Such rumours began after Enrique dropped Messi for Barca's defeat against Real Sociedad, a strange decision after the player was well rested during La Liga's winter break. Messi then missed training on Monday and caused a stir when he followed Chelsea's Instagram page, reported by Rajvir Rai of the MailOnline.

Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press/Associated Press

A torrid week for Barca has seen sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta sacked and his assistant, former club captain Carles Puyol, resign from his position, per the MailOnline's Pete Jenson.

It is suggested Messi is "at war" with Enrique by Brown, a scenario which is likely to see one or the other eventually depart. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes the situation is a difficult one, which may have Messi considering an exit with greater intensity than ever before:

Ten Cate's comments suggest Messi's Barca tenure may continue due to his personal obligation to Vilanova. It's an interesting slant on the story to consider and highlights how those at Barca depend on Messi for success. The player admitted in late 2013 he hopes to stay "forever," per Marca (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC), suggesting rumours could be passed off as overblown and far-fetched.

As a sidenote, Enrique included Messi in his 18-man squad to face Elche on Thursday night, per Barca's official website. Leaving him out of the Copa del Rey round-of-16 first-leg tie would have exasperated rumours further, intensifying Barca's time of turmoil.

It's entirely possible speculation of a transfer will pass without further incident. Ten Cate's interview suggests Messi's heart is likely to always remain at the Camp Nou no matter what happens, making an exit far more difficult than simply negotiating financial matters.