Barcelona president steps into Neymar transfer saga and insists Brazilian ace is staying put
Josep Bartomeu stands firm in face of 'striker's dad meeting PSG officials' amid talk that French giants will meet £195m release clause
NEYMAR is not for sale.
And that’s official, according to Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu.
That’s despite the fact that Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be ready to match the amazing £195million release clause in Neymar’s contract.
And that it is claimed that Neymar’s dad is ‘set to meet Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Antero Henrique.’
There have also been suggestions that the Brazilian striker has become unsettled at Barca.
That he would relish the chance to step out of Lionel Messi’s shadow in a bid to improve his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or .
But Bartomeu is adamant he is going to keep the famous Barca attack of Messi, Luis Suraez and Neymar intact.
He told the Associated Press he sought to draw a line under the developing saga and cautioned PSG that they would be in breach of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations if they forced through a move for Neymar.
“He has a contract for the coming four years and, of course, we count on him,” Bartomeu said.
“He’s part of our team. He’s part of this [attacking] trident [with Messi and Luis Suarez].
“These clauses are impossible to activate if you want to comply with Financial Fair Play. If someone doesn’t want to comply, then of course it can be activated.”
Neymar, 25, joined Barcelona for the 2013-14 season and last October agreed announced a three-year contract extension through 2020-21.
So far Neymar has combined with Messi and Suarez to the Champions League in 2015 and a couple of La Liga titles.
Neymar’s buyout clause began with a figure of £180m in year one which has risen to it’s current value of £195m in year two.
Next year suitors will have to stump up £223m.
Added: Bartome: “These clauses are impossible to activate, if you want to comply with the financial fair play.
“ If someone doesn’t want to comply, then of course it can be activated.”
