Steven Gerrard, manager of Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, has made a massive transfer admission concerning Lionel Messi.
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After Lionel Messi confirmed he would not be renewing his contract with Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of the 2022/23 season, a host of clubs approached the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's camp in an attempt to sign him.
The three clubs who were touted as favourites to secure his services at the time were Barcelona, Inter Miami and Al Hilal.
The Catalan giants' financial woes made his acquisition difficult, however, leaving the Major League Soccer franchise and the Saudi juggernauts as the two frontrunners.
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It was rumoured that the Blue Wave were willing to entice the Rosario native with a world-record contract of €500 million (R9.9 billion) a season in order to lure him to Riyadh, but the Argentina captain ultimately decided to take his talents to the United States of America.
Messi is currently playing his first full season with the Herons, but with his contract set to come to its conclusion at the end of 2025, Ettifaq boss Gerrard has now admitted he hopes his side can succeed where Hilal failed.
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Speaking to MBC Masr, the English tactician said: "I hope to sign Leo Messi to Al Ettifaq, he is a great player and has achieved many accomplishments during his career."
