Lionel Messi is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain following his departure from FC Barcelona. The 34-year-old was unable to strike a contract extension due to economic and structural obstacles.
Nonetheless, the discussions between Messi’s representatives and the capital club picked up quickly. The Athletic reports various points of how this deal came about and how the French giants will pay as they hope to capitalize on the marketing that Messi brings to the club.
When it comes to the financial side of the deal, Messi is going to be paid with a sign-on fee of €25 million. The former Barcelona player will sign a two-year contract with a net salary of €25 million per year. The agreement includes an option for a third year at the same wages.
Furthermore, Les Parisiens have determined that the economic benefits of adding Messi will mean their investment “pays for itself.” The Ligue 1 side considers there will be an uplift in sponsorship deals, ticketing, tours, and the French league’s profile in adding the Argentine forward.
PSG will look to take a playbook out of Juventus when they added Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018. The Serie A side increased ticket prices, revisited their primary sponsors to re-negotiate and uplift current agreements, and accelerated social-media growth to expose commercial clients.
