Lionel Messi set to receive offer to join PSG
Sources in the negotiations speak of an imminent agreement, but the Argentine player's entourage do not believe in an immediate resolution.
Lionel Messi's future was turned upside down on Thursday afternoon and the domino effect continues a day later in Paris... and in Madrid. Messi will "100% play at PSG this season", a source close to the negotiations has confirmed to AS. According to his version, there is an agreement between the parties. The player's entourage, on the other hand, say that he is considering offers and do not believe in an immediate outcome.
Messi set for PSG
This deal that would see Messi move to PSG brings Kylian Mbappé one step closer to Real Madrid. Like Laporta and Barça, PSG can't afford Messi: to sign the Argentine, they could have to sell Kylian Mbappé.
It would be financially impossible for PSG to keep Messi, Neymar and the French international in their squad, although if Messi does not end up joining, Mbappé would be in the same situation as he is now. As this newspaper reported, those closest to the PSG power circles see it as unfeasible to get Messi without letting go of one of their biggest stars. With Neymar tied to the club until 2026 and Mbappé insisting on not doing the same, something he communicated directly to PSG, the Parisian club cannot afford the wage bill of both plus Messi despite the 'relaxed' financial fair play rules that apply in the specific case of PSG.
The complexity and above all the financial burden of signing Messi would be solved with the sale of Mbappé and even more so when he is still locked into not renewing. The range of €160 to €180 million at which the hypothetical transfer of the Frenchman is being valued in Paris would be enough to cover Messi's wage bill for at least two seasons plus the signing bonus and possible commissions. L'Équipe have reported that a two-year deal could come with the option of a third, and his salary would be around €40 million net per year.
Messi key to Mbappé move
Although PSG chief Nasser Al Khelaifi is still trying his best to convince Mbappé to stay, the arrival of Messi would practically give him peace of mind and enable him to deal with the more than likely departure of Mbappé. The PSG dressing room has known for months that Mbappé's decision not to renew is firm. Not even the spectacular summer signings at the Ligue 1 side have made the France forward change his mind.
Real Madrid are financially prepared for Mbappé, without any salary cap issues. Unexpectedly, Messi is getting closer and closer to being Madrid's key to unlocking the door to a move for the PSG star.