Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could have a Barcelona reunion at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal FC, as per multiple media reports. The outfit has reportedly offered £400 million ($507m) for the Paris Saint Germain star only.
According to El Chiringuito, the players requested a whopping €600 million ($660 million) a year. Messi and Barca captain Busquets are in the last months of their respective contracts. Alba is reportedly joining them with 12 months left in his.
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The news broke on Monday, days after Messi was suspended by PSG following his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The Argentine World Cup winner is facing hostility from fans in Paris who seem to be frustrated with the team’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Messi has already informed PSG that he will not continue at the French outfit. His return to a La Liga-winning Barcelona seemed like a real possibility but if the El Chiringuito report is true, it will be tough for the Catalans to match Al-Hilal’s bid.
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Losing Busquets and Alba would be another blow to Barca.
MLS giants Inter Miami – co-owned by Manchester United and England legend David Beckham – has also shown interest in Messi.
If Messi’s contract at Al-Hilal goes per the report, he would beat his Portuguese counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo’s figures at Al-Nassr.
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Ronaldo’s contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($214.04 million).
Onda Cero reported that Lionel Messi would move to Saudi Arabia after spending a year at Barcelona. FIFA-registered agent Marco Kirdermir said on Radio Marca that the 35-year-old would play at Camp Nou only “when he retires”.