Football legend Lionel Messi is reportedly charting new territories following his confirmed exit from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), know his new next team odds
According to Betfair’s odds, a move to a Saudi Arabian team is on the horizon, superseding a speculated reunion with Barcelona.
Lionel Messi new next team odds, favorites clubs list and transfer news in 2023
Lionel Messi, the 35-year-old Argentina-born football superstar, strongly links himself to an exit from PSG and a return to Barcelona, his former home club. However, the latest odds from bookmakers Betfair point to a surprising twist, suggesting a move to Saudi Arabia is now more probable.
Expected transfers going into next season, A thread
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The speculation stems from Messi’s recent suspension by PSG, which happened ironically after the player flew to Saudi Arabia without permission following a home defeat to Lorient. Messi signed a £25million deal in May last year to promote the country, marking his second visit to Saudi Arabia and resulting in a two-week freeze by PSG.
PSG exit and potential future paths
Reports of Messi not extending his stay in France were confirmed by PSG boss, Christophe Galtier. Despite Barcelona’s financial struggles, a reunion with the Spanish club was frequently cited. However, clubs in the Middle East present a strong financial challenge.
Saudi Arabian clubs, who have already shown interest in Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema to amplify their league’s reputation, could significantly benefit from Messi’s potential inclusion. Last year, Saudi club Al Hilal reportedly offered Messi a lucrative £350m-a-year deal.
Balancing his promotional role for Saudi Arabia and a move to a Pro League side seems highly likely, with odds at 8/11. Barcelona remains a contender at odds of 11/8, while David Beckham’s Inter Miami is in at 5/1.
Other betting odds and responsible gambling
The odds for Lionel Messi not signing or agreeing to a contract with any other club is a surprising 7/1. A reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City stands at 12/1. Other long odds include Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys at 25/1, Chelsea and reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at 33/1, Newcastle at 66/1, and Bayern Munich and Manchester United both at 80/1.
In the world of football transfers, nothing is certain until it’s official. Fans across the globe will undoubtedly be watching Lionel Messi’s next move with bated breath. As the player leaves PSG, his future destination remains shrouded in mystery and ripe for speculation. Will it be a fairytale reunion with Barcelona or an exciting new chapter in Saudi Arabia? Only time will tell.