Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is reportedly contemplating allowing Lionel Messi to leave the club for free this summer. Despite his impressive performances this season and leading Argentina to World Cup glory, PSG is currently under Financial Fair Play sanctions, which they were fined £8.6 million for in September, with an additional £56.3 million dependent on future compliance. Therefore, PSG is eager to cut costs to avoid more sanctions, and Messi’s staggering £740,000-a-week salary is a significant financial burden on the club.
PSG is also considering letting 37-year-old Sergio Ramos leave when his contract ends this summer. Ramos, like Messi, is on a significant wage, which PSG cannot afford to maintain under their current financial predicament. L’Equipe reported that Saudi Arabian clubs are ready to swoop in and offer both players more lucrative deals. However, PSG has launched contract negotiations with both players, with the club keen to keep both in the squad.
Despite PSG’s efforts to keep Messi, he has yet to reach an agreement with the club. This situation has left PSG with a difficult decision to make as they cannot afford to keep Messi on his current salary, and he is unlikely to accept a sizeable salary cut. Messi’s departure would undoubtedly be a massive blow to PSG, who signed him on a free transfer last summer. Since joining the club, he has scored 18 goals in 32 appearances, helping PSG win the Trophee des Champions and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
If PSG decides to let Messi leave, it would be a significant loss to the club’s attacking prowess. Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and regarded as one of the best players of all time. He has won numerous titles during his 21-year career, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four Champions League titles. He has scored an incredible 770 goals in 1,064 games, making him the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and La Liga.
Messi’s departure would also be a significant loss to Ligue 1, which has struggled to attract global superstars to the league. PSG’s signing of Messi last summer was a massive boost to the league’s profile, and his departure could have a detrimental impact on the league’s image. However, PSG’s decision to let Messi leave for free could also have a positive effect on the club’s finances, which could help them avoid future Financial Fair Play sanctions.
In conclusion, PSG faces a difficult decision as they weigh up whether to let Lionel Messi leave for free this summer. The club’s current financial predicament means they cannot afford to keep Messi on his current salary, and he is unlikely to accept a significant pay cut. While Messi’s departure would undoubtedly be a significant loss to the club and the league, PSG’s decision could also have positive implications for the club’s finances. Whatever PSG’s decision, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the footballing world.
