Gerard Pique has claimed that Neymar has to reveal his intentions to return to Barcelona in order to make the move happen. The world’s most expensive player, who joined Paris St Germain in a £200 million deal only two years ago, has been keen on making a return to Barcelona, where he has made his name in European football, showing the best football tips to the fans. However, PSG are not keen on letting the player leave – especially when his valuations have dropped quite significantly considering his age, form, and injuries. Neymar has also seen his brand image tarnished to a certain extent due to off-field allegations.
Barcelona remain in pole position to sign the player, who has categorically told PSG that he does not want to stay anymore. However, PSG are not prepared to be bullied around and they have not been discussing terms with Barcelona up until now. The French club are prepared to do business only for a fee closer to £200 million. However, Barcelona have already spent extravagantly in the summer by splashing out on the likes of Antoine Griezmann, who has cost more than £100 million. The loan deal looks like a potential option.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently claimed that more new faces could join the club – at the time of unveiling the signing of Junior Firpo – before the end of the window on September 2. It is widely seen as a hint that Barcelona will bring Neymar.
The 27-year-old did not feature in the recent match against Rennes. Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria were the scorers for PSG in the 2-1 win, as they went on to pick up the Trophee des Champion. Even though Neymar was on the sidelines, he appeared to be quite relaxed and happy. The 27-year-old even took part in the on-pitch celebrations after the game.
Neymar created havoc within PSG after failing to turn up for pre-season. The striker picked up an injury while playing for Brazil in a friendly match just prior to the Copa America tournament. He has had a slow return to training since then, but the striker did feature in charity matches. The player’s camp have been blaming the injury as a reason for his nonparticipation in the pre-season, but it is widely believed that the desire to rejoin Barcelona is the key.
Gerard Pique claims that the attacker is a remarkable player who can make Barcelona much better. Even though the Catalan outfit tried to replace the Brazilian by bringing in Philippe Coutinho, the move has not worked out with the former Liverpool winger struggling for form. Barcelona are aware of the need to revamp the team especially with Lionel Messi on the wrong side of 30. Even though Neymar is not necessarily young, the Brazilian will be able to provide more than five years of top-level class on the pitch.
PSG will be keen to end the Neymar saga as soon as possible. It is clear that the player does not want to play for the French team anymore. The priority now for the Ligue 1 outfit will be to get as much transfer fee as possible.
