Lionel Messi and Neymar miss out as PSG shortlist 7 non-transferable players ahead of summer transfer window - Reports
Lionel Messi and Neymar are reportedly not on the list of seven players whom Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) consider non-transferable.
According to reports from France (via Fichajes.net), PSG are eager to bolster their squad this summer to fulfil their UEFA Champions League dream next season. However, before signing new players, they want to get rid of ones who are not integral to the club’s project.
Surprisingly, two of the most revered players in the world, Messi and Neymar, are not seen as key members of the Parisian project. It has been claimed that Kylian Mbappe, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi, Danilo Pereira, Marco Verratti and Marquinhos are the seven non-transferable players.
France superstar Mbappe is set to be the face of the project, while Donnarumma, Mendes, Hakimi and Verratti are some of the best players in their respective positions. Perreira may not be the best player in his position, but PSG reportedly value his versatility. Finally, there's Marquinhos, who is seen as the team’s fearless leader.
Messi, whose contract expires in June, has his future up in the air. Reports claim that PSG have tabled an extension for him, but he's yet to sign on the dotted line. Barcelona, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and MLS outfit Inter Miami are reportedly interested in signing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Neymar, meanwhile, still has over two years left on his PSG contract but is not the club’s flagbearer anymore. His work ethic has come into question time and time again, and he has also missed an alarming number of games due to injuries. The Brazilian is currently nursing an ankle injury and is out for the season.
Since arriving in 2017, the Brazil superstar has played 173 games for the Parisians, scoring 118 times and claiming 77 assists. Messi, who joined the club as a free agent in 2021, has scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists.
Journalist says Neymar and Lionel Messi do not respect PSG
In February, RMC Sport journalist Daniel Riolo launched an attack on Neymar and Messi, claiming they did not have any respect for the Parisians. He also slammed fans who supported the pair despite their disrespectful attitude, claiming that such fans are not worth anything.
Riolo said (via @AfterFoot_Revue):
“If you are a PSG supporter today, you cannot accept that players, like Neymar or Messi, do not respect your club. ... If you accept that, you are a supporter which is worth nothing.”
According to Forbes, Les Parisiens have asked Messi to take a wage cut for the additional year. That has caused the Argentine, who earns €30 annually, to consider alternatives.
Meanwhile, Christophe Galtier’s side are reportedly eager to sell Neymar this summer. They're willing to let the €220 million man go for as low as €50 million.