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Barcelona will struggle to match huge Al Hilal offer for free agent Lionel Messi - Paper Round
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Updated 13/05/2023 at 07:22 GMT+1
Barcelona hope to rival Al Hilal's huge offer for Lionel Messi this summer, while Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all interested in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Elsewhere, Tottenham may soon abandon the chase to appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their next manager. Nagelsmann was axed by Bayern Munich but the German club woould be due compensation.
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Messi faces choice between Barca and Al Hilal
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Lionel Messi could earn 400 million euros (£351m) a year if he joins Al Hilal.
Barcelona, however, would struggle to put together a rival package.
“Lionel Messi is expected to depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer, when his contract runs out, but he has yet to make a final decision on his future,” the paper states.
“There are currently two main suitors to sign the Argentina captain. Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and his former home Barcelona will compete to secure his signature after the end of the season.
“In Saudi Arabia they believe that Messi will sign for Al Hilal. It is rumoured that the club will offer him a deal that would see him earn 400m euros per year.
“This offer will be definitely better than Barcelona's or any other potential offer from a European club.”
Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham look at Martinez
World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez made his name on the world stage last year, and the Mirror believes he could now strike while he has the chance to move on to a bigger side.
The paper believes that Chelsea are leading the interest.
“Chelsea are keen on Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez,” the report claims.
“The ailing giants are hunting a new keeper with both £70m Kepa and Champions League-winning Edouard Mendy both under scrutiny.
“Martinez is understood to be considering his future at Villa despite a fine season under Unai Emery.
“With Tottenham and Manchester United also in the market for new keepers this summer, Martinez is set to find himself in demand.”
Tottenham pass on Nagelsmann
The Telegraph believes that former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is now unlikely to become the club’s next long-term coach.
“Tottenham Hotspur do not expect to appoint Julian Nagelsmann as the club’s next permanent head coach” their report claims.
“Nagelsmann has been linked with the Spurs job ever since being sacked by Bayern Munich, but the club have insisted he is not currently under consideration for the post.
“It remains to be seen whether or not that situation changes, with sources stressing Tottenham have great respect for Nagelsmann, but the club are expected to look elsewhere in their search for Antonio Conte’s permanent successor.
“Contact has been made with former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, while Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim are all believed to be under the consideration of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.”
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