So it looks like there are heavy rumours of Messi leaving Barca (apparently there is serious drama behind the scenes) as per the La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
If he does become for sale, the saga will be interesting because I think you'll see a lot of unlikely buyers. Yes Man City, and PSG will throw their oil filled wallets at Barca, but I think you'll have many suitors. I think money only goes so far. If it happens, there will be an obscene price ($200-$300 million), but ultimately it will come down to Messi's preference. And frankly, for any team purchasing him (even an italian club), there is a business case.
Messi will fill an arena. For example, if you want to see San Siro packed, AC Milan could bring in Messi. If you want to see Stadio Olympico packed, Roma could bring in Messi. For us, bringing in Messi will make Juventus wish they built a bigger stadium, and will pack it. There will be huge endorsements for any purchaser.
Messi increases the value of a club by more than his transfer fee, or at least around the same amount. Also if there were an italian buyer, I am sure it would give extra incentive for these teams that don't have stadiums to build one because they will want to collect all of those ticket dollars. There will also be extra incentive for any 3rd party looking to invest in the club.
I am sure a foreign investor would inject some cash into Juventus for a minority position (or maybe a joint ownership agreement).
That being said there would be a similar businesses case for many teams in many leagues.
Ultimately the purchase of Messi means:
Matchday Revenue:
-Leverage to increase prices, and have higher attendance
Broadcast Revenue:
-More leverage for the purchasers' league in subsequent rights negotiations, and more leverage for a higher share of the broadcast dollars for that individual club.
-Broadcast revenue from international competitions
Commercial Revenue:
Increased Jersey Sales, Sponsorship deals, parties who will want to be affiliated with Messi's new club.
Tournament Prizes:
A team that acquires Messi will inevitably perform very well on the international stage. There will be increased cash flow from this source as well.
Therefore, I think if it does happen, you'd see some unlikely parties.
If he does become for sale, the saga will be interesting because I think you'll see a lot of unlikely buyers. Yes Man City, and PSG will throw their oil filled wallets at Barca, but I think you'll have many suitors. I think money only goes so far. If it happens, there will be an obscene price ($200-$300 million), but ultimately it will come down to Messi's preference. And frankly, for any team purchasing him (even an italian club), there is a business case.
Messi will fill an arena. For example, if you want to see San Siro packed, AC Milan could bring in Messi. If you want to see Stadio Olympico packed, Roma could bring in Messi. For us, bringing in Messi will make Juventus wish they built a bigger stadium, and will pack it. There will be huge endorsements for any purchaser.
Messi increases the value of a club by more than his transfer fee, or at least around the same amount. Also if there were an italian buyer, I am sure it would give extra incentive for these teams that don't have stadiums to build one because they will want to collect all of those ticket dollars. There will also be extra incentive for any 3rd party looking to invest in the club.
I am sure a foreign investor would inject some cash into Juventus for a minority position (or maybe a joint ownership agreement).
That being said there would be a similar businesses case for many teams in many leagues.
Ultimately the purchase of Messi means:
Matchday Revenue:
-Leverage to increase prices, and have higher attendance
Broadcast Revenue:
-More leverage for the purchasers' league in subsequent rights negotiations, and more leverage for a higher share of the broadcast dollars for that individual club.
-Broadcast revenue from international competitions
Commercial Revenue:
Increased Jersey Sales, Sponsorship deals, parties who will want to be affiliated with Messi's new club.
Tournament Prizes:
A team that acquires Messi will inevitably perform very well on the international stage. There will be increased cash flow from this source as well.
Therefore, I think if it does happen, you'd see some unlikely parties.
