Messi and Ronaldo league rivals again? Saudi clubs to offer PSG star €350m contract

Suraj Radia

• 14 Jan 2023 10:50 GMT
• 2 min read

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could renew their rivalries once again, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward set to be approached for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Messi is out of contract at PSG at the end of the season and, while some reports have suggested the 35-year-old is close to agreeing an extension with the French side, he has yet to formally announce where his future lies.

Barcelona are thought to be keen on bringing their legendary forward back to the club but doubts remain over whether a deal is financially viable for the Catalans.

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However, a new option has appeared for Messi, with Marca claiming that the Argentine has been offered a lucrative contract to play in Saudi Arabia next season.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr last month on a deal that will see him paid a salary of around €200 million but two of the club’s divisional rivals, Al-Hilal and Al-Itihad are reportedly willing to offer Messi a deal worth a staggering €350m per year.

Marca claims that the teams have asked the Saudi government for ‘help’ to be able to make the ‘inalienable’ offer, with both clubs sanctioned by FIFA meaning they can’t sign players until next summer due to financial irregularities.

Saudi fans could see a glimpse of things to come as PSG are due to come up against an all-star XI featuring players from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal in a friendly next week, with Messi and Ronaldo both potentially featuring.

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Saudi league set to step up superstar efforts

The big money approach by Saudi teams comes amid speculation that the country are hoping to host the 2030 World Cup, with reports that Ronaldo is set to be an ambassador for the country’s bid.

Messi is already an ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Board as the country looks to promote its ‘vision 2030’ and it appears that the focus is now on attracting some of football’s global superstars to support their ambitions.

A host of high-reputation players are thought to be targets for Saudi sides following the arrival of Ronaldo the league, with Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets among the players thought to be approached by Al-Nassr over a summer move.

Eden Hazard, Angel di Maria and Luka Modric are some of the other players that are being considered to make lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia in order to boost the profile of the country’s league and status in world football.