Al-Hilal offer PSG Lionel Messi over €400m per year but player wants to remain in Europe
According to Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have sent Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi (35) an offer worth over €400m per year.
However, the Italian journalist reports that the Argentinian World Champion’s priority is to remain in Europe. His desire to remain in the continent, and contest the Champions League restricts his options.
As reported yesterday by L’Équipe, Messi and PSG are nearing a divorce this summer. Despite the early signs of a renewal being positive, no agreement was ever reached. Whilst discussions remain open, there is a feeling that there is a decreasing chance of a deal reaching a positive conclusion. According to the French publication, Les Parisiens are wanting Messi to take a pay cut, and if the Argentinian international is to play at the Parc des Princes next season, it will be on PSG’s terms.
Barcelona are, of course, an option and the club are becoming increasingly optimistic of bringing Messi back to the Camp Nou. Rafael Yuste and Xavi have both recently expressed a desire to return Messi to his formative club, with the latter making direct contact with the player. However, as reported by Romano, the Catalan club are waiting on FFP before making any bid for Messi, who will become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
It seems as though Messi’s future, as things stand, lies at either PSG or Barcelona. Romano reports that he wants to remain in Europe until at least the 2024 Copa América, meaning that Al-Hilal’s mammoth €400m per year offer is unlikely to be accepted.
