Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo shocked the world this afternoon by reporting that Neymar has accepted an offer from Paris Saint Germain.
The information came from journalist Marcelo Bechler, the outlet’s correspondent in Europe. He first tweeted it, then EI published a video with more information, which we’ll explain right now.
The first thing is: PSG would be paying for Neymar’s €222m release clause. The player has recently renewed his contract with Barcelona, and this is the amount to take him this summer, since the Catalan side have no intention to negotiate. Next year, it rises to €250m.
Esporte Interativo don’t know how much Neymar will earn at PSG, but they say it’s definitely much more than the €15m per year he makes at the Spanish club.
Regarding the reason of the transfer, that’s because Neymar wants to be the best player in the world. He feels he can’t achieve that playing for Barça, since Lionel Messi will always be in the spotlight. The duo have a good relationship on and off the pitch, but Neymar’s ambition is what is taking him away from the club.
PSG have reportedly also attracted the star by showing a great sporting project. That would include keeping Marco Verratti, and signing Dani Alves. Especially the right-back, one of the Brazilians who will make Neymar feel good in Paris. Esporte Interativo claims he’s been feeling alone in Barcelona because of the lack of compatriots.
It’s always worth mentioning that Neymar’s first contract with Barcelona included regularly flying friends over to visit him.
Neymar’s father, who always has a huge part in the player’s decisions, is also very important in the story. It’s claimed that his relationship with Barcelona hasn’t been good, and broke down when the club decided not to sign Lucas Lima from Santos.
Since his son signed for Barça, Mr. Neymar has also been responsible for recommending Brazilian players to the club. That, of course, means he earns commission in case of a transfer. Lucas Lima was one of these players, and there was a verbal agreement for him to sign a contract in July, when he’s allowed to agree pre-contract as his deal with Santos expires at the end of the year.
But the information was leaked days before the start of the month, which made Barcelona afraid of completing the signing due to Santos’ threat of informing FIFA. Neymar’s father became angry with the situation, and that could be one of the many reasons why his son is considering an exit.
Esporte Interativo also claim Neymar’s original plan was to stay at Barcelona for at least another season, especially because he wants a calm year before the World Cup… but something happened to change his mind.
The Brazilian star will reportedly go through preseason with the Catalan club, and play big games against Real Madrid and Manchester United. A move to PSG would only be completed after that.
Is the story reliable? All we can say is that the journalist has some credit, and the entire situation makes a lot of sense. As revealed by Neymar’s agent Wagner Ribeiro, PSG have already met the player in the past and made a big offer. It was turned down, but something may have convinced Neymar this time.
The reporter also claimed ‘things may change’, as is often the caveat in football, but for now, Neymar has accepted PSG’s offer. It’s safe to say all the football world is watching the story, especially his employers. And giving the serious work Bechler been done in Europe, he will not throw his career in the garbage just to get some attention.
That’s why it’s reasonable to believe something is happening with Neymar and Barcelona.
