Jakarta –
Barcelona threatened to lose large income from their main sponsor. The factor of unclear future Lionel Messi accused of being the main cause.
It is known that currently Barcelona is collaborating with an e-commerce company from Japan, Rakuten. The value of the agreement is known to be no less than 220 million Euros for 4 years, starting from July 2017 to June 2021.
Towards the end of the cooperation contract, Rakuten is reportedly interested in extending another year. Even so, the numbers offered have decreased.
Cinto Ajram, who is the former head of the field sponsorship activation Barcelona in the era Josep Maria Bartomeu, divulged that the value proposed by Rakuten was only 30 million Euros, from the initial 55 million Euros per year.
At first glance, this decline can be seen as a result of the economic crisis amid the pandemic COVID-19, which even cost Barcelona up to 97 million euros last season. But Ajram thinks that is not the main problem, but the fate of Messi at the Camp Nou is not yet clear.
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Rakuten logo in the stands of the Camp Nou stadium. Photo: Getty Images / Alex Caparros— |
It was known that Messi wanted to move from Barcelona last season, although he finally gave up his intention. But until now the 33-year-old has not extended his contract, and has the opportunity to come out for free next season.
“It is true that the Corona virus reduces the money received from sponsors, because the visibility of a brand is also affected,” Ajram told EFE, quoted by Marca.
“But the current deal value of 30 million Euros further explains Rakuten’s reaction to the uncertain future of Leo Messi. Even now I am wondering whether the deal is still worth 30 million Euros.”
“Rakuten started a cooperative relationship with Barcelona, which at that time had Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar. Commercially, they are so big. But now Barcelona have proposed an extension without Suarez and Neymar, and it is still doubtful whether Messi will stay or not. “
“When you sell the Barcelona name around the world, you will wear the face of Messi. With current conditions, no brand would dare to extend the partnership to 3-4 years because they don’t know how much the current club is worth without the player (Messi) “he explained.
(adp/bay)
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