Lionel Messi agrees to a contract with Paris Saint-Germain as his free transfer window closes

Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed on a transfer fee.

The Athletic reported on Thursday night that Messi had made contact with PSG, and the transfer process has accelerated since then. Barcelona announced that he will be forced to depart the Nou Camp the next day.

Messi will reportedly get a €25 million signing bonus and will be offered a two-year contract worth €25 million a year in net income; the deal includes an option for a third year at the same rate.

Tuesday or Wednesday may see the reveal.

Messi’s agent and father Jorge verified the news to Spanish station La Sexta TV. When asked whether he will join PSG today at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, he said, “Yes.”

According to reports in Spain overnight, Barcelona made a desperate bid to retain Messi at the Nou Camp. Ferran Reverter, the chief executive, was reportedly in contact with Messi’s team, according to La Porteria.

However, sources close to the player have denied that he has received a formal bid. He has now accepted Paris Saint-invitation Germain’s to relocate to Parc des Princes.

Barcelona announced in a statement on Thursday that Messi, who has been a free agent since his contract with the club ended on July 1, would leave the club “due to financial and structural constraints.”

Messi broke down in tears on Sunday morning at his goodbye news conference, confirming his departure from Barcelona after 21 years.

“This year, my family and I were determined to remain here, at home; it was what we all want. We assumed we’d be staying in Barcelona. We’ve had an incredible experience here. Today, I must bid farewell to all of this.”