The secret history of the negotiations between PSG and Neymar
PSG tried to tempt Neymar last summer and French newspaper L'Equipe have revealed details of their move
French newspaper L’Equipe has revealed how Paris Saint-Germain tried to convince Neymar to swap Barcelona for Paris last summer.
The Ligue 1 champions wanted Neymar to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now at Manchester United. It was impossible to sign Lionel Messi, the world No.1, due to his commitment to Barça, while their hopes of getting Cristiano Ronaldo were ended by his high price, despite his age (31).
L’Equipe explain that with Messi and Ronaldo ruled out, PSG focused on Neymar, conscious of the fact the Brazilian was in talks over a new contract but nothing appeared agreed.
There were reasons they felt Neymar could be tempted, such as his concern and disgust at the continuous fiscal problems, while at 24, he was not just an option to improve the team on the pitch and in terms of worldwide marketing, but also has many years ahead of him in the game.
The player was tempted to accept PSG’s offer. They were willing to make him the key part of their project, their No.1. It’s something he doesn’t have at Barcelona, where he shares the billing with other players, although is always behind Messi.
PSG’s intentions throughout 2016, according to L’Equipe, materialised in two meetings, one in Sao Paulo in April and another in Ibiza during the summer.
In the end, Neymar rejected their offer and accept Barcelona’s even if it wasn’t as impressive economically (he will reportedly lose around 40 million euros over the course of his five-year deal which he would have earned in France) because of the solid sporting base at Camp Nou.
It weighs more to continue being involved in the MSN and that fact that Barça made a big effort to situate him as the second best player in the squad.
Neymar has not hidden the fact, either, that he had other offers before agreeing to renew with Barça.
