Lionel Messi Hasn't Received A Signing On Bonus From PSG

Lionel Messi might have been given huge wages to sign for PSG, but the former Barcelona forward wasn't given a signing on bonus by his new club.

Much has been made about the finances involved in the deal that has taken Messi to Ligue 1 giants PSG, both from the side of his former and new clubs.

The 34-year-old is believed to being paid around half a million-a-week for his two years in Paris, with the club holding the option of a third year, making him the top earner at the club.

As well as his wages, Messi is also believed to have been handed a large wad of cryptocurrency for signing however, it's been reported he's not getting a signing bonus.

According to Marca, PSG haven't actually paid the usual signing on fee that most players would expect during a move, especially during a free transfer.

Normally the saved cost of a transfer fee is offset by highers wages and a larger bonus, both paid directly to the player, but that isn't the case with Messi.

Messi's move doesn't come with a signing bonus. Image: PA Images

Instead Barcelona's all time top scorer will be handed a 115 million euros bonus if he renews his contract, though the report doesn't confirm if that's the third season option or further seasons.

That's not the only bonus he'll get, as the six time Ballon d'Or winner will also pick up another 78 million euros loyalty bonus for staying for his contract.

Ironically, the forward is still owed a loyalty bonus from Barcelona of 39 million euros, with the club potentially trying to recoup some of that money by still selling replica shirts with the player's name on the back in the club shop.

Plenty of PSG fans have already got their hands on a shirt. Image: PA Images

Speaking to Guillem Balague, in his first interview in the French capital, Messi revealed that Neymar, Leonardo Paredes and Angel di Maria were the first three to be told about the move.

"Well, actually, when my dad started talking to Leonardo (PSG director of football), Neymar already knew because I started talking to him about it all," he told the BBC Sport reporter.

"I also told Di Maria and Paredes that there was the possibility of coming to Paris that I was looking into. 

"We kept telling each other the steps were in place and every move that was happening, just to confirm if I was coming or not." 

Topics: Transfers, Football, Ligue 1, Lionel Messi

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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