There are five Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players who may become “victims” of Lionel Messi’s arrival, including Kylian Mbappe. Lionel Messi confirmed to leave Barcelona. His contract, which expired on June 30, 2021, failed to be renewed due to LaLiga regulations regarding salary restrictions.
In fact, some time ago, Messi and Barcelona had agreed to a new five-year contract with a 50 percent pay cut. Finally, with a heavy heart, La Pulga said goodbye to the Blaugrana at a press conference on Sunday (8/8/2021). After separating from Barcelona, the Argentine superstar is reportedly going to continue his career at PSG.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Messi and his agent as well as his father, Jorge, have received an official offer from Les Parisiens. Furthermore, Messi and Jorge will fly to Paris for medical tests and contract signings, which may happen in the near future.
The inclusion of Messi will make PSG even stronger. However, maybe there are some older players who will be victims. Launching Sportskeeda, Monday (9/8/2021) here are five PSG players who possibly leave because of Messi’s arrival:
1. Pablo Sarabia
PSG signed this player from Sevilla in the summer of 2019. He is contracted for five years, which means his tenure only ends in 2024. However, the 29-year-old failed to appear consistent, making it difficult to penetrate the first team.
Last season, Sarabia appeared 27 times with 14 of them as a substitute. Sarabia can be sold if there is a suitable offer. Several clubs, such as Inter Milan, Lazio and Atletico Madrid, are reportedly interested in him.
2. Julian Draxler
Julian Draxler is the same as Sarabia who failed to appear consistent. Players who are under contract until 2024 often sit on the PSG bench. In the 2020-2021 season, the German made 34 appearances in all competitions, contributing 11 goals and four assists. However, considering the financial balance factor after the arrival of Messi, Draxler could be cashed by PSG in the transfer market this summer.
3. Mauro Icardi
In his first season at PSG, he scored 20 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions. However, the following season Icardi’s productivity decreased to 13 goals from 28 matches, with seven of them being scored in Ligue 1.
Injury problems hindered Icardi’s goals. If Messi comes, Icardi could be sold because the two are reportedly not in a harmonious relationship due to personal problems. AS Roma are one of the clubs that have expressed interest in bringing Icardi back to Italy.
4. Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria has been an important figure in PSG’s body since signing from Manchester United in 2015. In 2020-2021, Lionel Messi’s compatriot scored six goals and 18 assists. However, Di Maria could be sold by PSG if Messi came. The sale of the 33-year-old player also automatically reduces Les Parisiens’ salary burden significantly.
5. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has contributed a lot to PSG. Last season alone, the 22-year-old scored 42 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 appearances. With that kind of productivity, selling Mbappe doesn’t sound unreasonable, doesn’t it?
However, Mbappe’s current situation is complicated. The player’s contract expires in 2022, but so far, he has yet to sign an extension. Mbappe is allegedly letting his contract expire, so he can freely go to his dream club Real Madrid next season. PSG are certainly not willing, they prefer to release the French national team player for a high fee in the transfer market this summer. Mbappe’s departure could also wipe out a large part of the club’s wage bill.
