Lionel Messi to Saudi 4/9 as report says it's 'done deal'

Lionel Messi is 4/9 to sign for a Saudi Arabian Pro League team this summer after a report said the move was a done deal.

The 35-year-old's future has been the subject of speculation for months and he looks almost certain to leave PSG in the summer.

Last week, the French champions suspended Messi for two weeks for taking a two-day trip to Saudi that was not authorised by the club. He has since apologised to fans.

#UPDATE Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season under a "huge" deal, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday.#AFPSports pic.twitter.com/cGaaTONvav

-- AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 9, 2023

A move back to Barcelona had been the favourite outcome for Messi this summer, but that has drifted to 2/1.

They are on the verge of winning La Liga under Messi's former-teammate Xavi.

Saudi or Barcelona appear to be Messi's main options, with staying at PSG 6/1 a shorter price than any other club outside the top two in the market.

This is his second season in the French capital, since leaving Barcelona, but Messi's relationship with PSG seems to have soured irreparably.

Fans have booed him and last week they protested against the club's policy of signing big name stars who, fans believe, are not committed enough to PSG.

If Messi goes to a Saudi club then he could play against Cristiano Ronaldo next season, although the Portuguese has been linked with a move away from Al Nassr and back to Europe.