Messi has technically been a free agent, for the first time in his career, after his contract at Barcelona expired at the beginning of the month.
It’s long been expected that he would remain with the club he’s won six Ballon d’Ors playing for but whilst there was no contract agreed questions remained.
Now it seems that his future is set to be confirmed, with reports that he has agreed to halve his former wages in order to stay at the Camp Nou.
Spanish outlet SPORT claim that the 34-year-old will sign a five year deal and understands the club’s financial situation has required a wage decrease.
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| Messi looked extremely happy to lift the Copa del Rey for Barca last season. Image: PA Images |
Despite the agreement in principle, there isn’t expected to be an announcement about the new deal until the end of July.
There is still fine details to be sorted, and lawyers from both sides to look over things, but the six time Ballon d’Or winner’s release clause is expected to be around 350 million euros.
The news that the player’s massive wages are set to be reduced by so much will come as a relief to Ronald Koeman as it may mean the club being able to register their new players.
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| Sergio Aguero, along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay, are under threat of not being able to play. Image: PA Images |
Less than a year ago Messi made it public that he wanted to leave the Nou Camp, after the club had been embarrassed in the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
The club captain was hoping to be allowed to leave for nothing, due to an agreement with the club, but the request was denied.
It then looked like he would wait to the end of the season to leave for nothing, with PSG and Manchester City both linked.
However it has become clear over the past few months that he was set to stay with the club he signed for 21 years ago.
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| Messi finally got his hands on an international trophy at the weekend. Image: PA Images |
Messi has shown exactly why the club were desperate to re-sign him with his performances in the Copa America in Brazil.
The Argentina international was in incredible form, winning top goalscorer and Player of the Tournament, as the team won their first piece of silverware since 1993 and Messi’s first for his country.
Featured Image Credit: PA