PSG have told club stores to be braced for Messi’s arrival
Following the events of last summer, when he very, very publicly made it clear he wanted out, Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Though Josep Bartomeu has since resigned, we’re still no nearer to knowing if Messi will pledge the final years of his career to Barca.
What we do know is that his contract is due to expire at the end of next June, meaning he is permitted to talk to other clubs as soon as next month. If he does choose to leave, his choice – barring a dramatic reduction in his wage packet – will realistically come down to two clubs: Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Whereas City seemed to be his most likely next destination during last summer, it now appears PSG are growing increasingly confident of taking him to the Parc des Princes.
A report by Football Transfers claims the Ligue 1 champions have briefed all of their official stores to prepare for Messi’s potential arrival, which will inevitably bring a surge in trade. The club’s marketing department is said to have contacted all of the club’s official outlets around the French capital to make sure they are well-stocked if a deal goes through.
Is this the best time to launch a brand new Lionel Messi quiz?
Yes. Yes it is. https://t.co/yWV2bl7URt
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 13, 2020
Barcelona’s financial troubles mean keeping Messi will be complex and reports have claimed it is likely he may need to take a wage cut if he is to remain at the Camp Nou. The picture is likely to become clearer after the conclusion of the presidential election, with the club confirming voting will take place between 9am and 9pm on January 24.
Even if Messi doesn’t head to Paris on a permanent basis, he is, at least, likely to feature against PSG in the last 16 of the Champions League following the conclusion of this week’s draw.
Here is the #UCL Last 16 Draw 🌟 pic.twitter.com/LybngmGYuw
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 14, 2020
