The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the only good thing about Barcelona currently and he would do well to consider the prospect of winning elsewhere

This summer has brought into sharp focus two things; one, clubs are having to pay more than ever for elite talent and two, Barcelona’s buy-out fees in that context are set tantalisingly low.

Neymar went to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €222 million (£200m). Casting the eye around the other completed deals you are left with the impression that €222m for Neymar feels about right in the current climate.

If Romelu Lukaku for example is worth up to £90m then Neymar is priced correctly. Buy-out clauses are supposed to be a deterrent; at Barca, they are more like an invitation.

Consider that Messi’s buy-out currently stands at €250m. If Lukaku is £90m and Neymar is €222m then Messi comes in positively cheap at €250m (£225m).

Messi “agreed” a new Barca contract earlier on this summer but as yet it remains unsigned. It is, however, reported to be a formality and the new deal will see Messi through to 2021. A new buy-out will be set at €300m (£270m) - still a bargain given Messi’s credentials.

Madrid don’t fear Barca; they toy with them and Messi deserves better.


Do you guys agree with this?

If you guys had won yday, there will be no talks of messi leaving. op HALA MADRID! respect the king.

Remimadrid:
If you guys had won yday, there will be no talks of messi leaving.
op HALA MADRID! respect the king.

hope Ronald case is settledbecause na dugout I dey see dat guy...Hola! Madrid