Officials from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain met Tuesday in Paris to discuss Neymar's potential return at Camp Nou. No deal has been accepted yet, but the two clubs have reportedly reached an advanced stage with their conversations, with Real Madrid still never giving up the fight.
According to BBC Radio 5 Live's Guillem Balague, both PSG and Barca feel "positive" about reaching a deal, but there is "still a lot of work to do." Neymar joined the French club in 2017 for a world-record of222 million euros, which Barcelona was more than willing to shell out. However, his time with PSG turned out quite the opposite than expected, leaving the player unhappy and wanting to leave Parc des Princes for good.
Camp Nou sources claim that Neymar had been relentlessly pushing for a move so he can leave PSG sooner, but the end of the transfer window is nearing, and he still has no clear destination yet. Both Real Madrid and Juventus have expressed their interests in signing the 27-year-old, but Neymar is reportedly only interested in teaming up with Lionel Messi again.
The Neymar entourage is optimistic about the move and Barca board member Javier Bordas told reporters that a deal was edging "closer" but negotiations were continuing.
Barcelona are reportedly offering 170 million euros to be paid after a year's loan. The club is also interested in a cash plus player deal that would go easier on the club's budget.
However, PSG want the entire amount paid upfront, but Barca are still struggling to cover the fee following a very busy summer signing Junior Firpo, Neto, Frenkie de Jong, and Antoine Griezmann for a combined 239 million euros.
On Tuesday, Barca and PSG have reportedly talked about the possibility of paying the French club 40 million euros this year, with additional payments of 65 million euros to be paid next year and in 2021. The Ligue 1 club rejected the proposal.
According to ESPN FC, Neymar's personal desire to resign with Barcelona may help in the negotiations. The Brazilian star is really involved and has taken the first step to return to the club he left in 2017 after PSG paid his €222 million buy-out clause.
If no satisfactory offer arrives, they will look to reintegrate Neymar into the first team. He has not played since he injured his ankle in Brazil's Copa America warm-up against Qatar at the start of June.
