Neymar Turns Down Huge PSG Contract to Secure Barcelona Return - But Seems Destined to Go on Waiting

Neymar is said to have already rejected the offer of a new contract and eight-figure bonus at Paris Saint-Germain in order try and facilitate a return to former club Barcelona.

Neymar infamously quit Camp Nou in 2017 when PSG triggered his €222m buyout clause to make him the most expensive footballer in history. But the Brazilian has been linked with a return almost ever since and his desire for it to happen has been a poorly kept secret.

A financially limited Barça were thought to be exploring ways to make it happen last summer, only to fail to present PSG an acceptable offer. The player was alleged to have cried when it broke down, while there is even a theory that the club, knowing a deal was beyond their means, were never truly serious about their approach and it was a public charade for appeasement.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on club finances stands to make it even harder for Barça to come up with the money this year, but Neymar is willing to compromise to given them a chance.

Mundo Deportivo (MD) writes that Neymar has turned down an offer to renew his PSG contract beyond its current expiration in 2022. As part of that, it is claimed that in the process he also said no to a renewal bonus of €100m. Tied up in that, MD suggests he is also prepared to give up a commercial deal with Qatar National Bank (QNB) worth in excess of €50m annually.

MD adds that Neymar is willing to cut his wages in half in order to go back to Camp Nou, returning to the same, but still very lucrative, terms he was on in 2017 before his seismic transfer.

With PSG proving difficult to negotiate with last year, Neymar could use FIFA laws to force the French champions to accept a lower offer. Having been at Parc des Princes for three years and not renewing his initial contract, Neymar could end his contract if suitable compensation relating to his cost, salary and length of deal is paid – a figure MD estimates at €180m.

The problem for Barça is that is prohibitive, especially in the current climate.

That presents a problem for Neymar because in order for FIFA to issue a termination clause he must formally tell PSG that he wants to leave. MD notes that he is not willing to go that far unless Barça provide assurances and guarantees they will go ahead with it from their end.

Neymar can want for a return to Camp Nou all he wants, but unless Barcelona can actually pull together the financial means to make it happen, he'll have to go on waiting.

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