Neymar’s father denies Paris Saint-Germain exit talk

Neymar’s father and agent has denied suggestions that the Brazil international has informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave the French giants during this summer’s transfer window.
The 31-year-old’s future was the subject of much speculation earlier this year, but reports surrounding a potential exit have cooled in recent weeks, with Kylian Mbappe now the player being heavily linked with a move away from the French champions.

A recent report claimed that Neymar had informed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his desire to leave the club before the end of the market.

Chelsea have since been linked with a move, in addition to the South American’s former club Barcelona, but the player’s father has branded the news report ‘fake’.

“I cannot confirm a news that has not happened, L’Equipe is L’EFake,” Neymar da Silva Santos told the PL Brasil channel when questioned on the latest rumours.

Neymar made the move to PSG from Barcelona in 2017, and he has represented the French giants on 173 occasions in all competitions, scoring 118 goals and registering 77 assists in the process.

The Brazilian scored 18 goals and registered 17 assists in 29 matches for the French champions last season, missing a chunk of action due to an ankle injury.

Neymar has another two years left to run on his contract in Paris, but it has been claimed that his treatment from sections of the club’s fans have led to him deciding to seek pastures new.

PSG have already lost Lionel Messi on a free transfer this summer, while Mbappe could also depart, but Ousmane Dembele is on the verge of arriving from Barcelona.

The La Liga champions have been credited with an interest in Neymar, who scored 105 goals and registered 76 assists in 186 matches for Barcelona between 2013 and 2017.

The Catalan outfit’s boss Xavi was asked about a return for the South American following Tuesday’s 4-2 success over Tottenham Hotspur in the Joan Gamper Trophy final.

“Neymar? I can’t say anything, he is on another team. But the transfer window is open until the end of the month, I can’t say anything,” said the head coach.

Xavi also insisted that the team “need reinforcements” as Dembele prepares to complete a move to PSG.

Barcelona will begin their La Liga campaign against Getafe on August 13, while PSG’s Ligue 1 season will start at home to Lorient on August 12.