Barcelona target Neymar in talks to extend his contract with PSG

Neymar was extremely keen to make a return to FC Barcelona, last summer.

After several attempts to leave Paris Saint-Germain to make a fairytale return to Camp Nou 12 months ago, Neymar has made a spectacular U-turn and is keen to extend his stay in French capital, as per reports emerging from RMC Sport via GGFN.

The Brazilian superstar made the switched from Barcelona to PSG in the summer of 2017, setting the world record for the most expensive football transfer worth £200m/€222m/$263m. In an attempt to overcome Messi’s shadow in Catalonia, Neymar arrived in France to create his own legacy by aiding Les Rouge et Bleu to their coveted target of attaining the Champions League.

But, the move hasn’t gone as anticipated with Ligue 1 side exiting the elite European tournament in the Round of 16 for past two seasons. However this time, Les Parisiens have managed to go a step further and face Italian club Atalanta in the quarter-finals.

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Citing Paris’ shortcomings at the continental level, Neymar, during the previous summer transfer market, considered making a move back to the Azulgranas after an unhealthy divorce with the Catalan club in 2017.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who, still, share a Whatsapp group with the Brazilian superstar, were said to be eager to reassemble the MSN- an attacking trio once the deadliest goalscoring forces in Europe. Murmurs even suggested that players vetoed Barca’s decision to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1283704424146317317

Even after the arrival of Griezmann last summer, Barcelona made multiple attempts to lure Neymar back to Spain with negotiations extending till the deadline day. The dialogues were considered close to a consensus when news broke out of the player reaching personal terms with former the Blaugrana.

Last summer, it was learnt that Barcelona offered multiple players to convince French giants to let go of South America’s footballing icon. Although, club president Josep Bartomeu suggested on different lines of those negotiations.

"“Barça had already planned their squad, but the opportunity to sign Neymar was one that came up in the market. His signing was an extra; it wasn’t planned.”“Barça never offered our players. It was PSG who asked for then in the negotiations.”“The deal didn’t go through because the Club could not meet PSG’s demands.” (via Barcelona’s official website)"

However, a reunion was not written in stars as both clubs failed to reach a breakthrough within the stipulated time on the transfer deadline day. Neymar, visibly distraught, showed exceptional levels of professionalism to Paris Saint-Germain and helped his club to another league title.

In the space of 12 months, much has changed and the Brazil international is keen to extend his stay in Paris after embracing the project at PSG. The 28-year-old is said to have maintained peak fitness levels amid the lockdown as he eyes a strong finish to the UCL campaign.

Citing player’s current mood and commitment, the club officials have initiated dialogues over an improved contract offer for Neymar. It’s understood that Neymar is offered a five-year contract with significant breakthrough yet to be reached.

There was no giving up from FCB as they offered Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti in exchange for Neymar, as per reports from Spain.

However, Paris rejected that offer straightaway with no desire of having the injury-prone centre-back. It could signal the end of Cules’ pursuit given their tight finances owing to losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Barca could eye a few cheaper options elsewhere.

PSG have been discussing new contract terms with one more of their superstars, Kylian Mbappe. However, the talks have stalled from the player’s end as he eyes a move to Real Madrid, with La Liga club monitoring the France international’s progress at Parc des Princes.

Do you think Neymar will stay at Paris Saint-Germain?