Can anyone afford Leo Messi?
Lionel Messi is the most valued player in the world at the moment. A player that everyone would vouch for if made available by the club. But how much will he cost? And the more intriguing question who can afford him? Rob Wilson clears the air.
"With the revenue they generate and cash reserves, only United and Real Madrid could pay the fee," said Rob Wilson of Sheffield Hallam University.
"With salary costs probably even they couldn't stay within FFP."
"Unless Messi absolutely wanted to get out of the club, why would Barcelona agree to that?”
He further added that any transfer bid accepted, the payment would be made outright and Barca in no circumstances would accept his fee in installments.
He said that Chelsea and Manchester City are bit off the mark to evade FFP and also sign Messi.
"Chelsea and Manchester City clearly have the financial power but whether they would just do the deal and worry about the consequences afterwards is another matter," said Wilson.
"Most people thought Uefa would take a light touch approach to FFP. In fact they have shown a willingness to apply it pretty rigorously."