Remco Evenepoel is seeking to leave Soudal-QuickStep, various close sources have informed RadioCycling, with the world champion unhappy about the team’s future direction and doubting if they can support his ambitions, such as winning the Tour de France in 2024.
We understand that Evenepoel’s camp have contacted a number of teams after concerns over QuickStep’s finances. Evenepoel also doesn’t believe his wage compares with that of his peers. It's thought he earns no more than €4m after bonuses, compared to Pogačar’s reported €7m.
One close source to Evenepoel said: “It will all come down to money… and his current contract underpays him. Patrick Lefevere needs to adapt his contract or risk conflict.”
Evenepoel has a contract until the end of 2026 and we understand there are no breakout clauses.
Ineos Grenadiers are the clear favourites to sign Evenepoel and met with his representatives last autumn. But RadioCycling understands that Israel-PremierTech are also a genuine possibility, with Evenepoel’s camp having very close relationships with Israel staff members.
Despite rumours linking both Lidl-Trek and Bora-hansgrohe to Evenepoel, senior sources at both teams said they haven’t opened up discussions with the 23-year-old. Multiple sources have confirmed that any transfer would be a “package deal” involving Specialized.
Signing Evenepoel, however, is not easy. Despite reports to the contrary, sources have confirmed that all outstanding bonuses have been paid, therefore there is no contract breach. Patrick Lefevere told RadioCycling: “I don’t owe €1 to anybody. Everything is paid.”
That means the only possibility for Evenepoel departing is if someone buys out his remaining contract, something that is likely to cost in excess of €10m. Lefevere insists that he won't sell. He also rubbished claims Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe could buy QuickStep’s licence.
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Ik hoop dat dat dichterlijke vrijheid van die journalist is want als Remco €4M heeft lijkt mij dat redelijk in line te liggen met wat hij zou mogen verwachten, misschien €5M. Maar die €7M die Pogacar heeft, daar moet toch niet naar gekeken worden. Pogacar is HC en hoort logischerwijs gewoon ook een pak meer te verdienen dan gelijk welke andere renner. Alleen al voor de commercial exposure met zijn (bijna) 4 top 2 plaatsen in de Tour... plus het feit dat Pogacar gewoon een extreem verkoopbaar product is, niemand is daar tegen met dat boy next door aura.
