Messi to blame for STOPPING dream Premier League transfer

Cameron Smith

• 16 Jul 2023 15:50 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi’s ground-breaking transfer to MLS outfit Inter Miami could have a catastrophic effect on Luton Town’s summer business as they prepare for life in the Premier League.

Rob Edwards’ side earned promotion to the English top flight via the Championship play-offs, with the Hatters winning on penalties against Coventry City at Wembley Stadium.

So far, Luton have added three players to their squad ahead of the new season, but all three have come from the English Football League.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Chiedozie Ogbene has arrived from Rotherham United, Mads Andersen was purchased from Barnsley and Tahith Chong has joined from Birmingham City. However, they have begun to venture outside England by targeting Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez, according to the Sun.

Martinez, 30, joined Inter Miami in January and has bagged six goals and 23 games for the club so far. Previously, he was at Atlanta United, where he struck up an impressive partnership with Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron.

However, Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami may have thwarted Luton’s attempts at signing the Paraguayan forward. With Messi now at the club, Martinez is unlikely to pass up the opportunity to play with the World Cup winner.

MORE: When will Lionel Messi make his Inter Miami debut?

His contract in Miami only runs until the end of 2023, meaning Luton may be able to convince the club to sell, but Martinez will likely want to impress on the pitch to earn a new deal and continue playing with Messi into 2024.

Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate, is also set to join Inter Miami this summer, which could see Martinez reject a move to Kenilworth Road in order to play with the pair.

Messi’s Inter Miami deal

According to Sportico, Messi's two-and-a-half year deal with Inter Miami is “worth up to $150 million total from his salary, signing bonus, and equity in the team.”

Furthermore, terms with Adidas and Apple were negotiated. Messi will earn income from MLS, Apple and Adidas, according to the Wall Street Journal and the Athletic.

In addition, Messi will reportedly receive a percentage cut of all new paid subscriptions to MLS Season Pass.

Irwin Kishner, co-chair of the Sports Law Group, told ESPN: “That deal has never been given to anybody in baseball, basketball, football, and so it's very unique. It's a generational-type thing, and it's hard to think if you would ever see anything comparable.