According to a source, Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain has piqued the curiosity of Premier League clubs.
The renowned 35-year-old’s two-year contract at Parc des Princes is set to expire at the end of next month.
Messi has been heavily connected with a stunning return to Barcelona, with Xavi recently claiming that he had conducted talks with the World Cup champion about a summer move to Camp Nou.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced to depart the Catalan giants in 2021 after his contract expired due to the club’s well-documented financial difficulties.
Messi is expected to return to Barcelona this summer, but the La Liga winners would need to raise finances through player sales before attempting to recruit the Argentine, who would also have to accept a big pay cut.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, like Al-Hilal and MLS outfit Inter Miami, have been linked with Messi, but there may soon be another option on the table for PSG’s No.30.
Premier League clubs interested in Lionel Messi
Premier League clubs have entered the fight for Messi’s signing, according to Spanish news site Ole, with the forward expected to make a decision on his future in the “next few days.”
Manchester City, coached by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, would probably be among those clubs considering wooing Messi to the English Premier League.
Meanwhile, if a takeover of Manchester United is completed before the start of the 2023-24 season, the club may try to make a statement signing this summer.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar is reportedly in the race to buy the Red Devils from the Glazer family, and he is reportedly open to pursuing a move for Neymar if he is successful in his acquisition, with a potential move for Messi also being examined.
Spending powerhouses Chelsea, who named Argentine Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach on Wednesday, may also consider a summer move for Messi, albeit a lack of European football may limit their prospects.
Messi, who has 32 goals and 35 assists in 74 games for PSG, might play his final game for the club when they host Clermont in their final game of the season on Saturday evening.
The attacker will then join the Argentina squad for friendlies against Australia and Indonesia in the middle of next month.
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