Things are moving quickly regarding Al-Hilal’s desire to attract Argentine Lionel Messi, star of Paris Saint-Germain, during the current winter transfer window. A source within Al-Hilal stated on Thursday evening, "The club's management has made an official offer to Messi, whose contract with Paris ends next summer." The source added, "Al-Hilal received a promise from the Saudi Ministry of Sports to lift the suspension imposed on the club if Messi agrees to the presented offer." They continued, "If Al-Hilal does not succeed in securing the deal this winter, they won't give up and will attempt to sign him next summer."
Al-Hilal has been prevented from registering players during the summer 2022 and winter 2023 transfer windows due to issues surrounding the renewal of player Mohammed Kanno's contract, after he signed simultaneously with Al-Nassr. Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire in June following his arrival two years ago from Barcelona on a free transfer, earning between €30 to €35 million annually. Some global media reports indicate that the management of Paris Saint-Germain is confident that Messi will remain at least until summer 2024, with an unofficial agreement between the player and management during the World Cup held in Doha.
