Lionel Messi has reportedly seen the contract offer that he has on the table from Saudi Arabia raised to €500 million (£435m/$541m).
WHAT HAPPENED? The Argentine superstar is in the process of mulling over his options as he approaches the end of a two-year deal at Paris Saint-Germain. With an extension to those terms yet to be agreed at Parc des Princes, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is preparing to hit free agency.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: An emotional return to Camp Nou has been speculated on for the mercurial 35-year-old, but he has also been heavily linked with a move to the Middle East. Al-Hilal are said to be keen on reuniting Messi with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh, with Cadena Ser being told that he has received a record-breaking approach that would see him earn half-a-billion over the course of just one season.
AND WHAT’S MORE: It has, however, also been pointed out – by the founder of Mediapro, Jaume Roures – that a retracing of steps to Barcelona remains Messi’s preference. It is claimed that a decision regarding the South American’s next move will be made before the end of May.
WHAT NEXT? Barcelona have admitted to holding talks with Messi’s representatives, with club president Joan Laporta vowing to do all he can to put a stunning agreement in place, but well-documented financial struggles for the newly-crowned La Liga champions are making it difficult for them to agree a deal.
If he joins Saudi Arabia with a record salary of 500 million euros
And he felt so inclined to make an investment, he could choose to join the consortium for United, who have been valued in excess of £5bn as the Red Devils prepare for the final stage of their takeover process.
His £1bn fortune could allow him to own a minority stake in the club, although this is just a pipe dream.
Instead, the two frontrunners have made it to the third round of the bidding process. Sheikh Jassim has launched a last-ditch improved offer to try and convince the Glazers to give up full control of the Premier League club, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe believed to be leading the race to acquire the club.
source: goal.com
