‘Seixas's next contract is worth millions but he won't earn more than Tadej’ – Pogacar's agent Carera draws line as French star’s contract battle heats up

Paul Seixas's next contract is likely to see him earn several million euros per season but he will not earn more than Tour de France rival Tadej Pogačar, according to the Slovenian's agent Alex Carera.

The 20-year-old French rider is expected to soon decide his future for 2028 and beyond. He reportedly has an offer from his current team Decathlon CMA CGM, but UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Netcompany-Ineos, Visma | Lease a Bike and Pinarello-Q36.5 have all been linked to Seixas. His agent, Joona Laukka, has revealed little has also revealed little about the contract negotiations, with Seixas often delaying a final decision about his future plans.

Pogačar reportedly earns around €8 million from UAE, with personal sponsors said to lift his earnings close to €13 million. He has dominated the sport since 2020, won the Tour de France five times and is still only 28.

At just 20, Seixas is already regarded as cycling's next great talent and perhaps the rider who could one day dethrone Pogačar. That potential is driving up his market value and shaping contract negotiations, but not enough to make him worth more than the Slovenian.

"For sure Paul Seixas' next contract is worth millions but he won't earn more than Tadej," Carera said during a long interview with the Italian TriCiclo podcast, careful not to give away any specific salary number.

"It's impossible to see the real offers on the table, rather than the amounts reported in the media. But considering what he's done in 2026, from Strade Bianche, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, winning La Flèche Wallone, then his ride at the Tour and his Il Lombardia victory, it's clear he's worth millions."

In the summer Carera dismissed reports that Seixas could be offered up to €13 million by the Pinarello-Q36.5 team which is owned by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg, who owns the two brands and has recently invested in Campagnolo. That gives Glasenberg extra leverage and earning potential but Pinarello-Q36.5 will remain a ProTeam in 2027 and may only secure WorldTour status in 2029. 

However. Carera understands Seixas' appeal, why teams want to sign him and why his market value is so high.

"Seixas is young, he's won a Monument Classic and he's French. They're three important aspects. That shapes the market and his contract value," Carera said.

"There are also other factors. It's also important to think about the taxes a rider pays. For example, a French rider can't move to Monaco to pay less tax, due to French law. That has an impact on their earnings.

"A good agent has to be able to judge the market value of a rider and start negotiations from there. It's also about the results, performances and the leadership potential a rider shows.

"A sprinter's value is less than a good climber and especially compared to a Grand Tour rider. Again it's about market forces. Every athlete is unique."