RIYADH – Lionel Messi is keen on rejoining Barcelona, his father said on Monday, amid reports of officials from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal having flown to Paris to seal a mega-deal with the superstar.
The Saudi delegation plans to meet Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, with the aim of completing the signing as soon as possible, the two sources with knowledge of the matter told AFP on Sunday.
However, in an interview with Twitch channel Jijantes FC, Jorge said: “Leo wants to return to Barca and I would also like him to return. We are confident that Leo can come back.”
Messi, who joined Barcelona’s youth set-up aged 13 and went on to become their all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions, moved to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent on a two-year contract.
Barca were forced to let their talisman leave in 2021 because his high wages, coupled with strict La Liga financial rules, could have jeopardised the club’s future.
While their finances have slightly improved, any move for the 35-year-old would likely further complicate their ability to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules.
However, the financial implications of Messi’s new deal are not expected to be the points of contention for the Saudi delegation, with earlier reports suggesting he could earn £1 billion (S$1.68 billion) for a two-year contract.
“There is a Saudi delegation in Paris with one goal – to return with Messi official approval to the Saudi offer,” a source close to the club said.
Another official, who is close to the negotiations, said: “We are in the final stage of the deal. If everything goes well, Messi will sign his new contract and Al Hilal will announce it before the weekend.”
The 35-year-old arrived in Paris two seasons ago from Spain but was unable to help PSG win an elusive Champions League title, as the club suffered last-16 defeats in both campaigns with the Argentinian maestro. His departure was confirmed on Saturday and he was jeered by a section of the club’s fans in his final appearance, a 3-2 defeat by Clermont.
Along with oil-wealthy Saudi Arabia – where Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing since January – the seven-time Ballon d’Or-winner has also been linked with a return to Barcelona and with David Beckham’s Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.
He is not the only star being courted by Saudi Arabia, which is attempting to improve its austere image and attract tourists and investment, partly through the vehicle of sport.
On Saturday, Saudi state television channel Al Ekhbariya said French striker Karim Benzema had signed with Al Ittihad. It added that the Saudi champions’ president and his deputy were in the Spanish capital to sign Benzema in a “record transfer with Real Madrid”.
The 35-year-old scored over 350 goals for Real to sit second on the club’s all-time scoring list behind Ronaldo. He has a record 25 trophies with the club, including five European Cups, four La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies.
“I bid him farewell knowing that I’ve coached one of the greatest players in the world and one of the best strikers. We can’t be pleased about his departure, it has come as a surprise to everyone, but we have to respect his decision,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
“He’s earned the right to choose, and we all thank him for everything he’s done for this club. He’s been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he’ll remain forever in the memory of this club.”
There is a list of “more than 10” top-level Saudi transfer targets headed by Messi and Benzema, a source close to the Messi negotiations has told AFP.
Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, N’Golo Kante, Angel di Maria and Roberto Firmino are also among the seasoned World Cup and Champions League winners being lined up for the Saudi Pro League, the source said.
“Beside receiving quite lucrative offers, they will play in a very competitive league,” the source said, adding that the Saudis aimed to “seal most of the deals” before the new season starts on Aug 11.
Separately, a Saudi government official told AFP that the authorities are holding negotiations with “world-class players”.
“The objective is to establish a very strong and competitive league and elevate the Saudi clubs’ levels,” the official said.
All the players listed are major stars at the tail-end of their careers. Apart from France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has a year left at Spurs, all are out of contract in June. AFP
