In a shocking turn of events, Neymar Jr. has reportedly (L’Equipe) informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave the club during the summer transfer window and return to his former club, FC Barcelona.
The report also states that Neymar is questioning whether he wants to play against FC Lorient on August 12, PSG’s first Ligue 1 match of the 2023-24 campaign.
🚨 More: The Brazilian is even questioning the relevance of playing against Lorient on August 12. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona can afford to pay a transfer fee, which is by no means certain. 💰🇧🇷
— PSGhub (@PSGhub) August 7, 2023
Neymar is currently under contract with PSG until 2025, with a player option for an additional year. So, if the report is true, Barcelona will have to submit a transfer fee for Neymar, and then the two sides will have to agree on the details of a new contract.
The Brazil international is coming off a frustrating season at PSG that ended with him being stretchered off the pitch with an ankle injury last February. Neymar opted for season-ending surgery, and he’s only just returned to the squad for its preseason tour.
Before his injury, Neymar recorded 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 Ligue 1 matches, along with 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 UEFA Champions League appearances.
The news that Neymar wants to leave comes at a time when PSG is also dealing with the future of Kylian Mbappé, who has one year left on his contract and is strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Of course, this report could stem from Barcelona, who are close to losing Ousmane Dembélé to PSG and stand to recoup very little of the transfer fee. Could the Catalan club be using the media to unsettle PSG as a way to get back at them for taking yet another one of their best players?
There could be some truth to it as well. We know that some of the PSG Ultras did go to Neymar’s house to protest and that Neymar has tried to leave the club before. Ultimately, it comes down to finances. Can Barcelona afford a transfer fee that is acceptable to PSG, and will Neymar reduce his wages?
We’ll have more on this developing story.
