Messi to PSG: FC Barcelona shocked the world by announcing that Lionel Messi will not be playing for the club next season. But the former Barcelona captain is closer than never to signing for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving the LaLiga outfit. With the six-time Ballon d’Or winner set to join PSG this summer, we try to understand how the Ligue 1 will afford to sign one of the best players of the game.
The 34-year-old Argentine has been a free agent for well over 2 months and is finally on the lookout for a new club. Despite agreeing on a contract extension with FC Barcelona, the Catalan club will see Lionel Messi leave them due to economic obstructions and poor financial management.
This Sunday, from 12pm CEST, Leo Messi will appear at a press conference
You can follow it LIVE on https://t.co/A1WiJBXvhL pic.twitter.com/FQot4H5Kct
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 7, 2021
Messi to PSG: PSG have been very busy in the ongoing summer transfer window. The French side has done some incredible business undertaking one of the most remarkable transfer windows in recent history.
They have acquired the services of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer from AC Milan. Alongside the Euro 2020 winner, former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has also made the switch for the Parc de Princes outfit. Holland star Georginio Wijnaldum has also joined PSG on a free transfer ahead of the next season.
Messi to PSG: Alongside the free transfers, PSG has added Achraf Hakimi to their star-studded line up this summer. With the likes of Neymar and Mbappe also in the ranks we look to understand how PSG will afford players with such high wages and fit them together in their wage bill.
Also Read: LaLiga News: Sergio Aguero’s Barcelona future in question after Lionel Messi’s departure
Messi to PSG: Will FFP Rules come into play?
It is important to understand the unprecedented circumstances that the football fraternity is facing in the recent season. Amid the pandemic impact of Covid-19, clubs have suffered from massive losses. The loss of matchday revenues has had a huge impact on the finances of many clubs.
In order to help the clubs get out of the current situation, UEFA had decided to relax the Financial Fair Play rules. Back in March 2021, UEFA president Andrea Traverso revealed how that the rules have been amended in order to help the sustainability of the clubs. The changes in rules are supposed to help smaller clubs with low revenues. However, teams like PSG that flooded with cash have taken advantage of the current opportunity.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Transfer: Lionel Messi was ‘shocked’ by FC Barcelona departure announcement
Messi to PSG: Speaking about the club’s accounts, PSG will have a massive gap next season as they would have the Neymar and Mbappe’s transfer fees completely amortised. To explain further, PSG paid €44.4m each year to FC Barcelona since 2017 as Neymar’s €222m ‘ transfer fee. Similarly, they are paying Mbappe’s €140m fee by shelling out €35m per year since 2018.
With both the expenses set to be over as of 2022, PSG will have room to fit in Messi’ wages. However, the Persian outfit will have to sell off a few players and recover around €180m in short term.
Messi to PSG: This could not be a hassle for the Ligue 1 side as they have of a big squad. They will find it comparatively easy to sell fringe players and comply with FFP rules after the pandemic situation.
Additionally, Messi’s contract will see the Argentine earn over €40 million every year after taxes. It is considerably lower than the €75m that FC Barcelona paid him across the previous four years.
It also crucial to notice that Messi’s acquisition will also help the club gain a massive jump in their commercial value which would have a direct effect on their sponsorship deals thus allowing PSG more revenue.
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