Barcelona are believed to have finally reached an agreement in principle with Camp Nou legend Lionel Messi on a new long-term contract, including huge 50% pay cuts on his previous deal in light of the club’s well-known financial problems.
Messi has officially been a free agent since July 1 after his old contract expired. Although he has formally asked to leave the club last summer, it has been thought for several months that he would sign a new contract. But Barça’s uncertain finances have made it a huge challenge.
The Catalans have been stung by La Liga’s wage cuts following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their regular incomes and must raise significant funds before new signings of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia can be officially registered.
The same applies to Messi’s contract, even if at least one agreement now seems to be in place.
Barcelona’s financial situation means that wage cuts are crucial / David Ramos / Getty Images
The local publication SPORT writes that Messi understands Barça’s position and has agreed to pay only half of his previous salary. It is said that he also accepts that he should set a good example, even though money – apart from extra care about taxation – was never thought to be a real issue for him.
SPORT adds that while the agreement is in place, it is expected that it will take some time to sign the contract due to its complex nature. Therefore, it is unlikely that an official announcement from the club or photos of Messi will sign it until the end of the month.
Earlier reports about Messi’s contract situation suggested that a new deal would only make him stay at Barça for three years, with a clause allowing him to then move to MLS, while serving the club as ambassador to North America, before returning to Camp Nou in an executive role.
Messi looks set to remain a Barcelona player until 2026 / Alex Caparros / Getty Images
However, that kind of thinking seems to have been left out of the proposal in the end and instead it is expected to be a straight five-year contract, which would see Messi until his 39th birthday.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to have the passion and energy to continue at Barça for five years, despite having previously planned to leave after three to pursue other things.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
