It is looking increasingly likely that this transfer is going to happen.
When the story broke a few weeks ago linking Neymar with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, for a world record fee, most dismissed it. The Brazilian forward has been repeatedly linked with big transfers before, to PSG and Manchester United, but it usually ended with him signing a new contract with Barcelona.
However, this time it feels different, and the smart money appears to be on Neymar leaving the Nou Camp for Paris.
According to several reports, the deal has already been agreed, and all that remains is for PSG to pay Neymar’s release clause. The 25-year-old will cost the French club €222m, just under two-hundred million pounds, he will earn €30m (£26.8m) a year after tax, and will also receive a signing bonus.
The Sunday Times report that the transfer, wages and bonus payments will cost PSG over £500m in total. According to ESPN, the Qatari-owned club are said to be so confident of landing Neymar, they are already drawing up plans on how they will unveil him.
While, according to Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times, the only reason the transfer has yet to be completed, is due to Neymar’s father. Neymar Sr has reportedly asked PSG to delay formal negotiations until after July 31, as he will receive £23.3m commission from the Catalan club on this date for his role in his son signing a new contract last October.
If Neymar was to leave before July 31, Barcelona would be under no obligation to pay his father the commission. Castles also writes that Neymar Sr. will receive 10 percent of the transfer fee for his part in convincing his son to join PSG.
Neymar will also become the world’s best-paid player, alongside Lionel Messi, if the transfer is completed. His motivation for wanting to leave now seems a bit clearer, or maybe he just always wanted to test himself against Montpellier, Toulouse and Metz.
The 25-year-old also reportedly played a part in convincing Dani Alves to reject Manchester City and sign for PSG, knowing he would be at the Parisian club before the season begins.
Earlier this summer, Neymar was said to have been lobbying for Barcelona to sign his friend, former Spurs midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande, and the big Brazilian contingent at PSG is reportedly a factor in his decision to leave Barca. Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Lucas Moura and Alves, as well Brazilian born Italy international Thiago Motta, are already at the club.
Neymar’s transfer to PSG could impact on another Brazilian’s future, as Barcelona are expected to move for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.
