PSG’s Champions League Odds Now +340 After Expected Lionel Messi Transfer

• PSG gain momentum in Champions League odds ahead of expected signing of superstar Lionel Messi
• Messi has been forced to depart Barcelona after being unable to sign a new deal with the La Liga powerhouse due to salary cap restrictions
• We’ve got you covered with all the odds as the Argentine superstar gets set to begin a new chapter in the French capital

In the wake of the breaking news that superstar Lionel Messi is set to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, the French powerhouse has made substantial gains in the odds to win the 2022 UEFA Champions League, where they now trail only Manchester City as a +340 bet. Messi’s arrival in Paris strengthens a PSG squad that has quickly become a magnet for some of the best players in the world. But will the addition of the 34-year-old Argentine star put PSG over the top in their hunt for an elusive Champions League title?

Here’s a look at how Messi’s impending move to the French capital has changed the Champions league sports betting landscape for the upcoming season.

Odds to Win 2022 UEFA Champions League

Odds as of August 9 at DraftKings

European Soccer Landscape Shifts with Messi’s Departure

The soccer world has been left stunned in recent days by Messi’s sudden departure from Barcelona. Expected to sign a new contract at a substantially lower salary just days ago, Messi has instead been forced to end his two-decade relationship with Barca due to La Liga regulations that place a cap on total team salary based on team revenue.

Messi can't hold back tears after receiving a standing ovation during his farewell press conference 💙❤️

(via @FCBarcelona)pic.twitter.com/KJPDeb1fjq

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 8, 2021

Visibly shaken in a press conference announcing his departure, Messi took little time finding a new home. Reports indicate that Messi will be inking a two-year contract that is expected to pay him 40 million Euros per season, making him the highest-paid player on a team comprised of well-heeled superstars. Among Messi’s new teammates are Neymar Jr. Kylian Mbappe, and rising star full-back Achraf Hakimi.

Messi Joins PSG Squad with Plenty to Prove

Even with such a star-studded lineup, this PSG squad has plenty to prove entering the new season. In addition to falling short of the Ligue 1 crown last season, one point back of Lille, the Parisians once again endured bitter disappointment in European play, bowing out in the semi-final with a crushing 4-1 aggregate loss to Manchester City. And considering their talented lineup, concerns remain about a battle for the spotlight and a potential clash of egos.

PSG next season with Messi, Hakimi, Wjinaldum & Ramos in the lineup 👀 pic.twitter.com/yI2oYRLDtg

— AFC_TransferNews (@ABTNews_AFC) August 6, 2021

However, in addition to Messi, the Parisian lineup features an impressive list of veterans, including the likes of Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum, who bring both much-needed leadership and championship experience to the room.

City, Liverpool Chief UCL Rivals

While PSG has now made now closed the gap on City in the Champions League odds, where they were pegged as a lengthy +800 bet in mid-July, they still face a massive task in their bid to raise the trophy for the first time in franchise history. Perched as +300 chalk in the Champions League futures, there is plenty to like about the Citizens’ chances of claiming European glory for the first time. City return to action with last season’s Premier League championship lineup largely intact, and have further bolstered the squad with their acquisition of rising star midfielder Jack Grealish.

🗣 "It's something I felt I couldn't turn down, the chance to play Champions League football and challenge for trophies… to play next to people like Kevin De Bruyne and work under the best manager in the world"

Jack Grealish on his move to Man City from Aston Villa 🔊🔛👇 pic.twitter.com/kyl9s2V90B

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 9, 2021

Further down the odds, it is tough to overlook Liverpool FC as a solid +750 bet to return to European glory in 2022. The Reds are coming off a disappointing season in which they dropped to third place on the EPL table while bowing out of the Champions League in the quarter-final. However, the return of key personnel like Virgil van Dijk, who missed most of last season with an injury, and a bounce-back season from Sadio Mane leave Liverpool well position to once again compete among European powerhouses.

Fade Barca

As for Barcelona, Messi’s departure has done little for their championship hopes. Already listed as a lengthy +1600 bet to win the Champions League, the club has dipped to +1800 in the wake of Messi’s departure.

#FCBarcelona are facing a financial crisis, due to a combination of mismanagement and the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that they need to make significant savings to meet La Liga’s regulations. This thread will look at how the club reached this point and the implications.

— Swiss Ramble (@SwissRamble) July 26, 2021

In addition, the loss of their long-time superstar has done little to address their ongoing financial woes. Already facing a mountain of debt, particularly after enduring 18 months of hardship caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the club maintains little flexibility under the salary cap, even without having to pay Messi.

Now trailing archrivals Real Madrid as +200 second favorites, Barcelona continues to offer betting value to emerge as this season’s La Liga champions. However, with no replacement for Messi on the horizon, this is looking like it is shaping up as a good year to fade Barca.

Pick: Liverpool to win Champions League (+750)