Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has reportedly made an offer to Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi that would make him the highest-paid player in the world, surpassing his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi League side Al-Nassr earlier this year following a mutual contract termination with English Premier League giant Manchester United. His contract with Al-Nassr is the biggest professional soccer contract. Ronaldo will receive $75 million as his base salary, with an additional $215 million from image rights and commercial deals, according to goal.com.
However, Al-Nassr rival Al-Hilal are now looking to reignite the rivalry between two of soccer’s greatest athletes, as they are reportedly offering seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi a deal that can well exceed CR7’s paycheck and make him the highest-paid player ever in the game’s history.
The exact numbers aren’t out there yet, but it is speculated that the deal could be worth well over $240 million.
Messi no dey Saudi but they chant his name more than Ronaldo who’s there. Messi is the GOAT😂😂😂👌🏽pic.twitter.com/cIWnioR3vW
— Kuame Oliver 💕 (@KuameOliver_) March 9, 2023
The rumors have only intensified after Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, was spotted in a hotel in Riyadh with men close to Saudi Arabia’s royal family. On top of that, it is unclear whether Al-Hilal is able to complete such a massive deal, given the financial implications that come with a deal involving that kind of money.
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Al-Hilal are eyeing Sergio Ramos alongside Lionel Messi
Al-Hilal, in recent times, have signed many high-profile soccer players, namely Bafetimbi Gomis, Sebastian Giovinco, and Carlos Eduardo. The Saudi side is going to go all out in signing other high profile players in the summer transfer window as well. According to reports, the club has identified former Real Madrid star defender and Messi’s current teammate Sergio Ramos as a potential transfer target.
Sergio Ramos signed for PSG on a two-year contract which will expire at the end of this season. There are talks of a contract extension. However, Al-Hilal are looking to swoop in on the veteran Spanish defender with another big money deal that involves $32 million a year
Al-Hilal surely have made big plans for the upcoming summer, but what’s your take on this? Let me know in the comment section.
