Paris Saint-Germain are hopeful of signing Barcelona star-man Neymar this summer by activating the player’s sensational release clause of £153 million.
Should the deal materialize, the blockbuster move will break the world transfer fee record for a footballer by an extraordinary difference. Welsh attacker Gareth Bale’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013 holds the record for biggest transfer in terms of fee, reported to be £90 million.
PSG are looking at Neymar to replace Man United-bound Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who confirmed his departure last month at the club he stayed for four seasons, winning the league title in each of those seasons.
My last game tomorrow at Parc des Princes. I came like a king, left like a legend pic.twitter.com/OpLL3wzKh0
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) May 13, 2016
Ibrahimovic scored a stunning total of 113 goals in 122 league appearances during his time in France and PSG might find it difficult to replace the Swedish centre forward next season.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s agent Wagner Ribeiro recently admitted to French newspaper L’Equipe that the former Dos Santos winger would show interest to join the Ligue 1 champions this summer.
“If PSG show an interest in Neymar, we can discuss it,” Ribeiro said. “A contract can also be terminated provided that the release clause is paid.
“It’s huge. €193m (£155m). But I don’t think that would be an insurmountable problem for PSG.”
According to Ribeiro, Neymar is happy to continue to play for the Spanish champions but is drawn by the prospect of life in Paris.
“He feels good in Barcelona, he’s loved over there, and he’s playing for the best team in the world,” Ribeiro said. “It’s no small feat to impose yourself at such an enormous club.
“But the prospect of living in a city like Paris and to play for a club like PSG – that’s also a dream for every player.”
Neymar’s contract details were leaked recently which showed that the star striker earns a modest weekly wage of £77,000 compared to his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, who reportedly earns more than £250,000 per week after tax.
Reports also suggest that Premier League giants Manchester United will also make attempts to lure the Brazilian skipper but the UK tax laws will hugely affect the move.
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