PSG free transfers: Lionel Messi joins Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma

Messi joins Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma in Paris after they all ended their contracts and became free agents

Sports Staff
Wednesday 11 August 2021 07:06 EDT
Comments
Lionel Messi Waves To Fans From Paris Airport Window M198359

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lionel Messi became Paris Saint-Germain’s fourth free transfer of the summer when he was unveiled by Paris Saint-Germain in a press conference after completing move to the club on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Messi has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third worth around €35m per year. He will wear the No30 shirt, the same number he wore when he first joined Barcelona.

Messi, 34, became a free agent on 1 July when his deal with Barcelona expired and had reached an agreement to extend his 21-year stay with the Spanish club. Messi leaves Barcelona having scored a record 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club, winning 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues as well as six Ballon d’Or awards.

Messi joins Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma in Paris after they all ended their contracts and became free agents.

Wijnaldum, 30, had been at Liverpool where he helped to win the Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons. Ramos, 35, had been the long-standing captain of Real Madrid, while Donnarumma, 22, had been at AC Milan since moving to the San Siro from Napoli as a teenager.

The ploy to sign free players is part of PSG’s effort to avoid Uefa sanctions for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, although they are still paying huge signing-on fees and wages.

Barcelona have tried a similar tactic given their recent financial woes, signing Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero, and Eric Garcia all as free agents this summer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in