RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Barcelona has pulled out of signing Neymar. After investing heavily at the end of the week in an attempt to settle with the player, the Catalan club chose to quit negotiations after a counter-offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). A source linked to the deal confirmed the fact after contact by Globo Sport.
On Thursday, August 29th, a deal was expected to be settled after a meeting between the leaders of both clubs. Barcelona had placed €130 million (R$592 million) and three more players on the negotiation table: defender Todibo, who would come on loan, midfielder Rakitic and striker Dembélé, both in full tramsfers.
Last Friday, there was a twist. PSG had accepted the three players but wanted more money. This situation hindered Barcelona’s plans and they chose to drop out.
Neymar’s staff were discouraged and, for the first time since the beginning of this affair, conceded that the player should stay in Paris. Real Madrid, Barcelona’s contender for the star, has halted talks with the French club. And Juventus, another club interested in the striker, has not advanced in the negotiations either.
The European transfer window closes on Monday night, September 2nd. At this point, the striker’s remaining at PSG has not yet been completed, but it is imminent. And the star’s staff have already begun working to get him used to the idea. After making it clear to the French that he wished to leave, Neymar will not have an easy spell ahead of him.