Paris Saint Germain (PSG) forward Neymar Jr. has informed his club that he wants to leave the French club this summer, reported a renowned French source L’Equipe on Monday.
With three years left in his €25m-a-year contract, it is questioned by many if he is being pushed away from the club or if he really wants to leave.
The French newspaper reported that Neymar was with his family and agent Pini Zahavi after returning from PSG’s pre-season tour of Asia.
The 31-year-old is eyeing a move to his former club FC Barcelona which he left for PSG in a record €222m transfer in 2017.
A picture of Neymar with his father and Israeli representative who is friends with Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta went viral on social media during the weekend.
During the meeting with his father and the Israeli representative, it was decided that Neymar must leave PSG after unfair treatment by the club’s ultras as they protested outside the Brazilian’s house and booed him over the years.
On Sunday (August 6) night, a reliable journalist Gerard Romero stated that Neymar to Barca is still very much open.
But, in June, Barca’s manager Xavi Hernandez denied rumours of Neymar joining the Catalan club saying that he is not in his plans.
“I’m surprised… he’s not in our plan. I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities,” Xavi said on rumours of Neymar potentially back to Barca.
It may not come as a surprise if PSG want to get rid of the Brazilian footballer due to his massive wages as the new manager Luis Enrique — who previously managed Neymar at Barca for two years — wants to build a young and hungrier team for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, with Ansu Fati not being able to perform at the required level, Barcelona are in dire need of a natural left-winger at the club who can score as well as create and Neymar possesses both qualities.
With Alejandro Balde already donning the left-flank, Neymar’s signing may open a lot of options for Xavi to utilize the unlimited talent on Barcelona’s left wing.