The World’s highest-paid footballer Lionel Messi’s three-year contract with Barcelona expired on Wednesday. And since then there has been a lot of speculation. Will Messi join another team or would continue with Barcelona. However, according to the latest reports which say, the 34-year-old wants clarification on 3 key factors before signing a new contract.
1. Tax matters and finances should be clearly explained and defined by the Barcelona board
According to the reports, Lionel Messi wants his payment terms and tax matters to be clearly explained by the Barcelona board. This came after, Barcelona yet to make several payments to Messi.
At the start of the 2019-20 season, the highest revenue club in world football was assigned a budget of 1.47 billion euros by La Liga, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it reduces to 733 million for the last season. So, If Lionel Messi does move abroad in the near future, he wants to be clear as to which country his carry over payments will be taxed in.
2. Issue of deferred payments and Financial Guarantees
Barcelona has faced a lot of financial problems in the recent past. And as of now, there is no clarity on the payment structure of Lionel Messi’s contract. Barca has still haven’t made few payments to Messi and his advisors want clarity on the pending payments.
La Liga introduced financial control measures in 2013 that says, the maximum amount of money each club can spend on its playing squad and coaching staff each season, conditioned by its income. Barcelona has the highest revenues in football. However, it has been badly affected due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if Barca is deciding to get a new deal for him, then they’ll have to reduce its wage bill.
3. The sporting project at Barcelona
Barcelona has made their squad more stronger and competitive. They recently signed Sergio Aguero until the end of the 2022/23 season and his contract is set as 100 million euros. They have also few new signings with the likes of Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia. But, Lionel Messi’s departure has left a huge void, and it’ll be a massive task to fulfill. Barcelona still has a lot of issues to be sorted.
