Neymar is reportedly having a strained relationship with Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo and this could tempt the Brazilian to rejoin Barcelona in the summer.
The 27-year-old became the highest-paid footballer with a transfer record of €222 million from Barcelona to PSG in August of 2017 and has not hidden his desire to return to Camp Nou. The Brazilian failed in his attempt when he tried to force a move back to Barcelona last season last year after being frustrated in France.
The Brazilian has made it known that he wants to move back to Catalan and reunite with Lionel Messi and Luiz Suarez. He, however, had a clash with PSG supporters after his forced move to Barcelona failed.
During his four years in Barcelona, Neymar netted 105 goals in 186 games for the Catalan club before he left for France. Neymar has scored 16 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions and recorded 9 assists for the Ligue 1 champions this term.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Neymar is ready to dump PSG after a complete breakdown in relationship with his fellow Brazilian Leonardo and has expressed his desire to leave Les Parisiens and rejoin Barcelona.
The report added that the Spanish giants will have to cough out around £157m to land the 28-year-old. If an agreement can be reached, Neymar would attempt to claim the salary for the fourth year of the contract which he breached when he left in 2017. Therefore, he would request approximately £20m upon his return to Barcelona.
Also, he can negotiate a return to Barcelona by triggering a clause in his contract. FIFA’s ‘Regulations on the Statute and Transfer of Players’ state that a player can request a move once the ‘Protected Period’ is fulfilled. PSG chiefs, therefore, recognizes Neymar’s right to leave the club when he turns 28 next year, in exchange for compensation.
Neymar’s protected period’ has been fulfilled after spending three full seasons in the French capital. This means that the 27-year-old can leave in exchange for compensation because he was younger than 28 when he signed for PSG.
The Brazilain’s compensation will be calculated by taking into account the depreciation of his last transfer fee and the gross salary that he would have to collect.
Speaking to Canal+ after a 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Lyon last month, Leonardo said that he has no issue with Neymar and claimed that the forward was ‘committed’ to PSG.
“Neymar was born this way. “God gave him his talent and what he is doing is tremendous.
“Today, if we talk about the pitch, what are we saying? He is committed, very happy and a fantastic player. He is very fit. We are happy to have him. Wonderful.”
Also, In an interview with France Football, Neymar had said he is committed to PSG, adding that his priority this season is the club and to win the Champions League.
The 27-year-old insisted that he will continue to give his all for the Ligue 1 champions and win more trophies for the club.
He said: “Why would I want to leave here?
“I still have two years on my contract, the team continues to progress. We have to stay focused on this season to do things well and win as many titles as possible.
“This season, the goal is the Champions League, and my priority is PSG, with maximum involvement each week. The goal is to always win the next game. In each game, we have to push for the club. That’s how I see it.
“I never wanted to hurt anyone but my head said that if you’re not happy somewhere, you have to leave.”
Speaking further, the 27-year-old noted his football personality and his career decisions should not be mistaken for the person he really is.
He said: “Very few people know the real Neymar. Only my parents and my friends. What people see is something completely different. And they don’t see that much!
“The real Neymar is peaceful, and very happy. I am someone who likes to spend time with my family and my friends. I like to enjoy myself and savour every minute of life with those close to me.”
