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By Martin Graham | 2nd Apr 2023
Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has stated that the club is planning for next season and Lionel Messi’s extension is part of those plans.
The 35-year-old is on the verge of leaving after his two-year contract runs up in the summer. He has delivered on his mandate for the side although they have failed to make significant headway in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, the only competition they are yet to win in their history.
A number of options lay in front of the 2022 FIFA World Cup golden boot winner. One of those is the MLS, who have been reported to be preparing to present a bid as a league instead of an individual club signing him alone. Should he choose this option, the MLS chiefs will allow him to choose the club he will represent for the next season.
This is the first of its kind in football transfers, but there is also the financial might of the Middle East as an option. Al-Hilal are plotting a £300 million bid for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in order to rival Al-Nassr who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December for around £200 million.
A return to Barcelona is also an option for the Argentinian maestro, but for much lesser money than he will make if he stays at PSG or moves to the MLS or the Middle East.
The French club are working to make the option of remaining at Parc De Princes more appealing to the 35-year-old and Galtier has expressed full confidence in their methods, hinting that the technical team are already making plans for next season involving Messi.
“What will happen next season, we are working on it a lot, with management, with [director of football] Luis Campos,” Galtier said. “There is what we want to do but there are also the positions of each other, the club, the players. What we need to change quite significantly, what we need to improve quite significantly to be even more competitive.
“Regarding the future of Leo, there is the position of Leo, of the club, it is discussed between the two parties.
“I am focused on the 10 matches that come up to get this title. As for knowing what Leo or the club will decide, that remains very confidential.”
Messi is believed to be leaning more towards an exit from the club and towards a return to Barcelona for less pay. Galtier’s comments, however, could swing the media focus back towards PSG as the Catalan club have captured every headline involving the PSG number 30.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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