Big blow for Barcelona as Neymar set to renew with PSG
Reports of Neymar’s dream return to Barcelona had been doing rounds in the last few weeks as the Brazilian had reportedly frozen the contract extension talks with PSG. However, contrasting reports have surfaced regarding Neymar.
PSG signed Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 in a whopping 222 million euros deal. There has never been a doubt about PSG’s hegemony in France in recent years, seven league titles in eight seasons are evidence. PSG wanted to bridge the gap in the UEFA Champions League and instil a squad capable of winning the biggest prize in European football.
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Neymar had the charisma and talent to make it happen at PSG. However, the Parisiens failed to go deep in the Champions League until last season, managing to reach the final only to be beaten in a tight affair by favourites Bayern Munich.
This season, PSG are catching up in Ligue 1 but are looking stronger than ever in the Champions League. The Ligue 1 giants topped their group, eliminated Barcelona in the round of 16 and are 3-2 up against European champions Bayern Munich after the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Neymar wants to stay at PSG instead of returning to Barcelona
As PSG attempt to complete a successful UCL run this time around, the club is also planning to tie down two of their most instrumental players on a new deal. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have contracts running till the summer of 2022 and work is going on behind the scenes to ensure contract extensions.
Neymar had reportedly agreed to a new contract but then reports emerged that the former Santos forward had put the deal on hold and was considering a return to Barcelona to reunite with Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro was considering leaving Barcelona after the infamous burofax incident but after the turn of the year, Joan Laporta’s arrival as President and Barca’s progress on the field, the feeling is positive that Messi could renew with the Blaugrana.
Neymar has always been open about his feelings on Messi and has publicly admitted that he dreams of playing with the Blaugrana captain again. This sparked reports of a possible return to Barcelona with the players also lobbying for the Brazilian’s return.
However, contrary to all reports, reliable journalist and Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated that Neymar will soon sign a contract extension with PSG with the Parisiens keeping him at Parc des Princes until 2026.
The player’s entourage have revealed that the Brazilian feels PSG is going in the right direction and likes the club project. This will surely scupper some hopes of Barcelona if they were actually dreaming of Neymar. The deal was financially difficult but there was a feeling that with Laporta around, a deal could’ve been possible.
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If the 29-year-old signs a new deal with Les Rouge et Bleu, the Barcelona transfer talk can be put to bed.