PSG’s reported readiness to pay a staggering 500 million euros to secure the services of Lionel Messi has sparked a major buzz in the football world. The Parisian club, along with Manchester City, is said to be in the race to enlist the Argentine superstar, with both clubs prepared to break the bank for his signature.
According to El Confidencial and Sport, PSG is willing to meet Messi’s release clause of 250 million euros, with Manchester City also prepared to offer a significant sum, reportedly around 200 million euros. However, the overall cost of the operation is expected to soar much higher than initially anticipated.
In addition to the transfer fee, which alone is substantial, Messi’s salary demands (reported to be 25 million euros per year for five years) and associated taxes will significantly inflate the total cost. This would bring the estimated total expenditure to a staggering 500 million euros for the acquisition of a single player.
Despite the lucrative offers from other clubs, Barcelona’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has adamantly stated that Messi is not for sale. He emphasized the club’s commitment to ensuring Messi remains the highest-paid player and expressed the desire for Messi to stay at Barcelona until the end of his professional career.
As for PSG’s president, Al-Khelaïfi, who previously appeared to close the door on Messi’s recruitment, his stance remains unclear amidst these latest developments.
