Manchester City sign the next Lionel Messi

Manchester City have signed Israeli international midfielder Gai Assulin after he was released by Barcelona.

The 19-year-old has been lauded as the new Lionel Messi by football critics, having won his first international cap aged just 16.

Assulin has put pen to paper on two-and-a-half year deal with Man City.

"As soon as I saw the club [City] I wanted to stay. I'm at a great club and hope to be here a long time," he said.

"I have to take my opportunity and learn every day in training."

The winger is looking forward to following the footsteps of another former Barcelona player, Yaya Toure, who is now a first-team regular at City.

"I speak with Yaya every day - and I hope to be playing alongside him," he said.