Other clubs transfers 2021

[Tubey]

Who doesn’t understand/recognize this eventuality? Silly POV when he is still far & away best and most influential player going

The next era will not include a player of Leo’s stature but to be convinced gloom & doom is around the corner because of that is to ignore that Barca generates more revenue than any sports team on the planet, has a glorious academy and a President that will correct the disastrous decade of mismanagement of Bartomeu & Rosell. THAT is the advantage of being a democratic club

Well, we'll see. I simply think it's risky. You're paying him around £600m for two and a half years of football - I don't care who it is and what club it is, paying that for a 34-36 year old is risky, as that's £600m you could have spent fixing the squad for the next 10 years.

 

[PhilM]

Well, we'll see. I simply think it's risky. You're paying him around £600m for two and a half years of football - I don't care who it is and what club it is, paying that for a 34-36 year old is risky, as that's £600m you could have spent fixing the squad for the next 10 years.

Add to that, they're needing to sell players to retain Messi, so they're depleting their squad to retain an ageing player who will only get worse over time.

A great player nevertheless, but it does feel like it's an all eggs in one basket situation to retain a player for a few years and laboured with big wages after that.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Well, we'll see. I simply think it's risky. You're paying him around £600m for two and a half years of football - I don't care who it is and what club it is, paying that for a 34-36 year old is risky, as that's £600m you could have spent fixing the squad for the next 10 years.

The problem with this is the 2 years thing is an assumption that you have no real idea about. Messi while not the player he was in the 2010s anymore is still on a best player of the world shortlist and that's with his physical tools already starting to wane. He could be around for most of that deal.

 

[Nymzee]

The problem with this is the 2 years thing is an assumption that you have no real idea about. Messi while not the player he was in the 2010s anymore is still on a best player of the world shortlist and that's with his physical tools already starting to wane. He could be around for most of that deal.

Surely being around for most, let's say 3 of the 5 years, being 37 is also an assumption you have no real idea about.

Not many attackers can play at the highest level at that age.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Surely being around for most, let's say 3 of the 5 years, being 37 is also an assumption you have no real idea about.

Not many attackers can play at the highest level at that age.

He could be done by the end of this coming season if things go the wrong way. But to frame it as they're definitely getting only 2 of 5 years isn't it. And I tried to state why it's possible to see him continuing at a reasonable level despite his age.

 

[Nymzee]

He could be done by the end of this coming season if things go the wrong way. But to frame it as they're definitely getting only 2 of 5 years isn't it. And I tried to state why it's possible to see him continuing at a reasonable level despite his age.

It’s no more plausible he’ll only play 2 than he’ll play 4-5.

 

[TheBigIguana]

It’s no more plausible he’ll only play 2 than he’ll play 4-5.

Aye but I've not made 6 posts claiming it's a bad deal because he's only playing two. I was more saying let's wait and see because he's still really good.

 

[BainesontoastNEW]

I'd imagine Messi retiring from internationals after the World Cup in 2022 will be factored into his contract offer. If he's fortunate with injuries (unlike Ibrahimovic) then I can definitely see a case being made for him lasting another 2/3 years. Like others have said, though, it is risky considering the numbers on offer.

 

[Tubey]

Aye but I've not made 6 posts claiming it's a bad deal because he's only playing two. I was more saying let's wait and see because he's still really good.

It's been reported that he's accepted a 50% pay cut under the assumption he'll play for two years then leave, but be paid up in full. So he's not really taking the pay cut.

"The reason it's a five-year deal is that it is likely that Messi will play the next two years but it's a longer deal so that he stays linked to the club as an ambassador. But the talk is he might go to MLS after two years while still being paid by the club.

"It's a way for Barcelona to spread out the payment over five years. That's part of the reason he's been able to take such a massive cut of around 50 per cent."

 

[Brett Angell Delight]

The problem with this is the 2 years thing is an assumption that you have no real idea about. Messi while not the player he was in the 2010s anymore is still on a best player of the world shortlist and that's with his physical tools already starting to wane. He could be around for most of that deal.

I think from Messi’s POV the deal is only worthwhile if he stays for 2.5 years or less. Any longer and he really is taking a pay cut.

It’s a short-term move that highlights their over dependence on Messi, while ensuring they can’t do much about lessening that dependence in the next few years. It could get really, really grim for Barca, this.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

Five year deal for Messi, even at a 50% pay cut, seems mental to me. He'll play two years, leave and Barca will pay up the rest of his contract, meaning it's not even a pay cut but more akin to spreading the payments over five years.

As ridiculously good as he is, given the drama around him, the expense and - critically - his age, I'd have been tempted to cut and run if I were Barca, but I assume they simply don't have the money to replace him and/or reshape the squad.

Terrible move. Doubt Barca will win a title in the next 5 years either. Club needs a rebuild.
Can’t say I’m too arsed but I probably dislike Madrid more. Good chance for the other teams to do well and give the super leaguers some beatings.

 

[FCBarça]

Well, we'll see. I simply think it's risky. You're paying him around £600m for two and a half years of football - I don't care who it is and what club it is, paying that for a 34-36 year old is risky, as that's £600m you could have spent fixing the squad for the next 10 years.

Even at 34, he brings in more than he is paid and delivers on the pitch better than anyone. It’s absurd to think any scenario except continuity is less risky

 

[Nymzee]

Even at 34, he brings in more than he is paid and delivers on the pitch better than anyone. It’s absurd to think any scenario except continuity is less risky

You’ve just signed players on free transfers you can’t even register because there aren’t enough spare wages. Tells you all you need to know about how that club is ran.

 

[TheBigIguana]

I think from Messi’s POV the deal is only worthwhile if he stays for 2.5 years or less. Any longer and he really is taking a pay cut.

It’s a short-term move that highlights their over dependence on Messi, while ensuring they can’t do much about lessening that dependence in the next few years. It could get really, really grim for Barca, this.

It's tough because losing Messi could quite literally bankrupt them. This might only kick that down the road but it buys them time at least.

 

[FCBarça]

Add to that, they're needing to sell players to retain Messi, so they're depleting their squad to retain an ageing player who will only get worse over time.

A great player nevertheless, but it does feel like it's an all eggs in one basket situation to retain a player for a few years and laboured with big wages after that.

Ansu, Kun, Leo, Depay, Messi, Frankie, Puig, Pedri, Garcia, Pique, Araujo, Busi, Mingueza, Alba, Emerson, Dest & Mats. They’ll be in contention in every competition, there are no transition years at Barca