Report: Buffon set to sign with Paris Saint-Germain on free transfer
Gianluigi Buffon is expected to sign a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain on Friday, a source close to the negotiations told ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson.
The 40-year-old briefly flirted with the idea of retirement but gained the motivation to continue once he saw all the offers on the table.
PSG waited to make the move as UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) unit looked into the club's finances. However, considering Buffon is available on a free transfer, it's unlikely the deal will raise any red flags.
Buffon also agreed to take on an ambassadorial role with Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, according to the source. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is close to Qatar's royal family, leads the ownership group that runs PSG.
The addition of Buffon could now pave the way for Kevin Trapp or Alphonse Areola to leave the club. The sale of either goalkeeper would help PSG in its efforts to remain FFP complaint.
It's a particularly difficult situation for Areola, who may not get the opportunity to share the goal with idol Buffon.
The Italian shot-stopper spent 17 successful years at Juventus, winning the Scudetto nine times and the Coppa Italia in each of the past four seasons.
Along with the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level, PSG would give Buffon another chance to win an elusive Champions League title.