Barcelona officials optimistic on Neymar deal

(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)


FC Barcelona have moved a step closer to re-signing Brazilian striker Neymar Jr from Paris Saint Germain (PSG), according to a key club official.

Barcelona’s CEO Jordi Grau, Technical Secretary Eric Abidal and Director of Sport Javier Bordas were in Paris on Tuesday negotiating for Neymar and were met by a host of reporters on their return to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport.

Speaking to the press, Bordas admitted there had not been an agreement with the French side, Xinhua reported.

“Not yet. We are still negotiating and I think we are closer,” he said, replying “yes, of course” when asked if negotiations had been about the fee Barca would pay for the Brazilian, who abandoned the club for a world record fee of 222 million euros ($246 million) in the summer of 2017.

Barcelona have five days to conclude a deal before the transfer window closes in Spain on 2 September.

It is to note that Neymar has not played in any of the three games for PSG in this season of Ligue 1. Recently, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel had stated that Neymar would not feature in any of the club matches until and unless he gets clear regarding his future.

Although Neymar has recovered from an injury which he had picked up in the month of June while playing for Brazil, Tuchel clarified that he would not be playing for PSG until his commitments are sorted out.

(With inputs from IANS)