Report: PSG exploring possibility of signing Messi next summer

Paris Saint-Germain are weighing whether they can afford to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona next summer, sources told ESPN’s Julien Laurens.

With Messi’s contract expiring this coming June, PSG apparently sense an opportunity to make one of the biggest moves in football history.

Though the 33-year-old would be available on a free transfer, he would still command an enormous salary. Messi reportedly earns around €60 million on his current deal with Barcelona.

Neymar stirred rumors when he raised the prospect of a reunion with Messi – his former teammate at Barcelona – after PSG’s win over Manchester United on Wednesday.

“I want to play with him for sure, next year we have to do it,” the Brazilian said.

Neymar and PSG sporting director Leonardo discussed plans to sign Messi this past summer, according to Laurens. Manchester City were reportedly considered the favorites to land the Argentine at the time.

Messi asked Barcelona to terminate his contract in the offseason, citing the club’s lack of direction and then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s dishonesty toward him. Messi eventually agreed to play out the 2020-21 season to avoid a bitter legal battle.

It’s unclear if and how PSG would be able to finance a deal for Messi within the parameters of Financial Fair Play. Club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in April that PSG risked suffering “colossal” losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. French outlet RMC Sport quoted those losses at around €200 million.

PSG also have to worry about the futures of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Their contracts expire in June 2022.