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PSG in prime position to sign Lionel Messi

By Ernesto Hernandez

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 10: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 10: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images) /
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A couple wearing Lionel Messi jerseys sit in the grass as supporters gather in front of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 5, 2021. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
A couple wearing Lionel Messi jerseys sit in the grass as supporters gather in front of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 5, 2021. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) /

PSG are one of a handful of clubs who can afford to sign Lionel Messi

Following the stunning news that Lionel Messi would not be re-signing with Barcelona, the first thought on everyone’s mind was where his next destination could be.

To no one’s surprise, the name of PSG quickly sprung to mind. Therefore, it should come as no shock that, indeed, PSG are the frontrunners to sign the Argentinian.

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According to The Guardian, PSG are confident they can reach a deal with Messi as headway has been made between them and the player’s representatives. At the moment, the French club is working on being able to fit a potential deal within the parameters of Financial Fair Play.

The Ligue 1 side has had a relatively successful summer transfer window signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum. Adding Messi would simply be the icing on the cake.

Messi had previously rejected offers from PSG because he believed he would be able to sign a renewal with Barcelona. Once it became clear that was not going to happen, PSG were ready to pounce and this time Messi was willing to listen.

According to ESPN, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his team have made contact with his agent and father, Jorge Messi.

"“Of course [signing Messi] is a possibility,” Pochettino said. “The club is working on it and if there is any information we will communicate it as soon as possible.”Source: ESPN"

Messi’s addition only brings more explosiveness to a front line featuring Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. The Brazilian has long been pushing for PSG to acquire Messi and it looks like his wish is finally coming true.

PSG is the only club at the moment with a clear path to signing the now former Barcelona star. Manchester City, another potential landing spot, has spent £100 million on Jack Grealish on the belief Messi was going nowhere.

Other possible clubs like Chelsea are also focusing their attention elsewhere. Juventus, who are always up for a free transfer, cannot afford Messi either as it would mean getting rid of Cristiano Ronaldo. Again, PSG would be the only club he could feasible go to but the Parisians prefer Messi.

Related Story. Barcelona president explains failure to re-sign Lionel Messi. light

Unless something dramatically changes at Barcelona and they manage to find a way to reverse course, which is unlikely, Messi will be playing for a different team next season and all avenues point to PSG.

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