Barcelona willing to send two regulars to Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar

Barcelona’s approach for Neymar has taken a big turn as they have decided to part with two players in order to sign the Brazil international.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi’s most recent interview and words regarding his friendship with Neymar only went on to fuel speculation that the Brazil international would possibly return to the Camp Nou. The Paris Saint-Germain winger is also pushing for an exit after realising that France is not the correct destination for him to pursue a very successful career.

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Real Madrid have been interested in the player’s services even before he signed for their arch rivals based out of Catalonia. Apparently, the Whites president Florentino Perez has already met with Neymar’s father and other representatives regarding a potential transfer, so for that reason and their relationship with the club, PSG prefer selling to the 13 time European champions.

According to Fox Sports, that is not where Barcelona will be giving up. So in an attempt to outshine their rivals’ approach for Neymar, the defending champions of Spain will be willing to part with two players and send them to Paris Saint-Germain. Those on the outgoing list are Frenchman Ousmane Dembele and Croat midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Ousmane Dembele’s fitness and disciplinary issues since arriving from Borussia Dortmund nearly two years ago have been letting him down and he is not in the good books of either Ernesto Valverde or Lionel Messi. Failing to impress the coach and a player who potentially has the best say after the president is definitely catastrophic for the France international.

Ivan Rakitic could be phased out by the next season in order to make room for Frenkie de Jong. The Croatia international is more than a regular under Ernesto Valverde’s system, but not being paid accordingly is something that has alienated Rakitic. Additionally, he has won everything with Barcelona and thus, a new challenge may be pursued during the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain will be more than happy to take two world-class players, but whether they match or exceed Real Madrid’s probable offering of 200 to 250 million euros remains to be seen. Plus, PSG’s relations with Barcelona are not too great after the 2017 UCL controversy and Neymar’s way of leaving the Spaniards and signing for the French.

How much cash would Dembele and Rakitic yield if they were sold elsewhere?