Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets Lined-Up for $660M Saudi Switch
Lionel Messi and former teammate Sergio Busquets are on the verge of a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, according to the UK’s Daily Express.
The World Cup winner is expected to leave French side PSG when his contract expires in the summer and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. With few sides able to afford the former Barcelona player’s astronomical wages, the 35-year-old is tipped to follow his long-time rival to Riyadh.
The Express report cites Spanish TV outlet El Chiringuito in saying a deal has been agreed upon for Messi to dismiss a return to Barcelona and an ambitious approach from Inter Miami in the US. Instead, he will sign a two-year deal worth $660m to join Saudi club Al Hilal. As the most decorated team in Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal has 65 trophies and a reputation as the biggest football club in the Kingdom.
Busquets, himself a World Cup winner with Spain and eight-time La Liga champion with Barcelona, is also out of contract in the summer and free to move to a club of his choice.
