PSG have already found Lionel Messi REPLACEMENT

Tom Weber

Updated: 2 Jun 2023 12:00 BST
3 min read

PSG are set to release Lionel Messi at the end of his contract — © ProShots

Paris Saint-Germain have already found their Lionel Messi replacement in Marco Asensio.

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The Argentine megastar will depart the Parc des Princes this summer. PSG head coach Christophe Galtier admitted as much in a recent press conference, saying that Saturday's game against Clermont Foot will be Messi's last for the French giants. The club were quick to issue a correction, claiming that it would merely be his final game this season, but that is seen as a mere PR exercise.

Where the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will end up is still unknown. Al-Hilal and Barcelona are still vying for his services, while David Beckham's Inter Miami could yet enter the race. Al-Hilal have already made Messi a lucrative offer that would see him earn more than €1 billion over two seasons.

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Barcelona can't submit an official proposal because they are still awaiting approval from LaLiga for their financial viability plan. Blaugrana head coach Xavi recently said that Messi will communicate his final decision next week.

Either way, PSG are already planning for a future without the Argentine, and they are lining up a high-profile replacement.

Asensio to Paris

According to reports in Spain, and backed up by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, PSG are the favourites to land Marco Asensio, who will leave Real Madrid as a free agent this summer.

Los Blancos had made the 27-year-old several contract offers, but the Spaniard has decided to depart the Santiago Bernabeu because he has seen his role at the club diminish. Aston Villa have been in the conversation to sign him, but PSG appear the more attractive proposition.

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Indeed, the deal is close to being done, according to Romano. "The agreement is in the final stages, set to be completed. Free transfer on a long-term deal," the Italian announced to his 14.9 million Twitter followers.