Barcelona confirms Neymar may leave this summer

Spanish giants, Barcelona have confirmed that Neymar has informed the club of his desire to leave for PSG, after missing training on Wednesday, and have demanded that the French club pay his full €222 million release clause.

Recall that Naija News also reported the desire of French giants, PSG to add the Brazillian star to their ranks in what will be a world record bid.

Barcelona later followed up with an official statement on their website, which read: “FC Barcelona returned to training this Wednesday morning after the American tour, the first part of a double session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

“Before the morning session began, Neymar Jr. informed those present of his wish to leave the Club and was therefore given permission to miss training and resolve his future.”

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Barca issued a further statement later in the afternoon, insisting that the player will not be allowed to leave for less than his €222m buyout clause.

“The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the Club in a meeting held at the Club’s offices.

“Faced with this position, the Club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals 222 million euros which will have to be deposited in its entirety.

“Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the Club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved.

“The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions.”

As Neymar now looks set to depart Spain for the French giants, his departure may further cast more gloom over Barca’s poor performance in the current transfer market so far as they have not only failed to land their preferred targets but may also be loosing one of their best legs who together with Messi and Suarez has formed a lethal attacking combination at Barcelona.

The player had appeared unsettled and always playing in the shadow of Lionel Messi but Barcelona coach, Valverde had insisted he would not be leaving.

If the deal is successful, Neymar is set to earn €30m a year in wages as PSG’s marquee name while his father, Neymar Sr., is set for a €40m windfall as part of the deal.