Lionel Messi will not be returning to FC Barcelona as both parties cited economic and structural obstacles to formalizing a contract extension. The 34-year-old will now depart, and Spanish media outlet AS writes, how much will it cost a club to sign Messi.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are the only clubs that can realistically afford Messi. Still, despite the financial muscle, the capital club is studying its finances to make sure they can fit the signing.
When it comes to the cost, Messi earned €71-million per season at Barça, the club’s president Joan Laporta had managed to convince the striker to drastically reduce his salary by 50-percent (€35-million per year).
The main objective for Barcelona was to undertake Messi’s contract renewal and enroll him again in LaLiga, complying with the strict rules of economic control. However, as many already know that didn’t happen.
Although PSG can’t provide Messi with a salary that he earned with the Spanish club, perhaps they can reach that 50-percent he agreed to with Barcelona. Furthermore, they don’t need much convincing to take a deal similar to that if it means playing alongside Neymar Jr. again and fellow Argentine teammates.
