Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on the signing of Lionel Messi, with fans in the French capital preparing to welcome the Barcelona legend to the club.
Reports in France on Tuesday morning claim Messi has reached an agreement with PSG and is flying to Paris this afternoon to complete his move.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona was confirmed last week, as they were unable to register the 34-year-old due to LaLiga’s strict salary rules.
PSG moved swiftly to sign Messi and talks over a contract, believed to be for two years with the option for a third, are said to have been completed this morning.
According to The Athletic, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will earn at least €25million (£21m) net per season with a €25m signing-on fee.
Fans flocked to Le Bourget airport and the Parc des Princes stadium on Monday, amid news of Messi’s arrival.
They were, however, left disappointed after the forward did not arrive as he continued to wait for the finer details of his contract with PSG to be finalised. Supporters on Tuesday morning were once again making their way to the airport and the stadium as the deal neared completion.
Messi will receive a hero’s welcome when he finally arrives later on Tuesday. He was in tears when he announced his exit from Barcelona on Sunday, insisting he did all he could to stay at the club.
Messi joins a formidable PSG team that contains fellow forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and bookmakers have installed them as the new favourites to win this season’s Champions League.
Manchester City, who on Monday unveiled England midfielder Jack Grealish — their £100m signing from Aston Villa — had previously been the favourites. City remain confident of signing Harry Kane from Tottenham.
