How Africa News
Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, is reportedly due to be given a £194 million-per-season contract to transfer to Saudi Arabia after his father was spotted in Riyadh earlier this week.
The 35-year-PSG old’s contract is set to expire this summer, and he will become a free agent if no new deal is reached.
Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, who is also a Saudi ambassador, has been in Riyadh recently, raising rumours that he is negotiating a transfer for his son.
According to Marca, Saudi Arabia is attempting to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future, with one of their best clubs, Al-Hilal, ready to give him a lucrative contract once their transfer ban expires at the end of the season. 2
Messi’s main opponent Cristiano Ronaldo signed a £175 million-a-year contract with Al-Nassr in December, and Saudi Arabia is now hoping to persuade the Argentine to follow him to the Middle East.
They are thought to be keen to complete the deal, with politicians willing to intervene to raise the Pro League salary cap so that Messi can play in it.
