The transfer saga embroiling Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Neymar reached a crescendo on Wednesday, although only the most ardent of Neymar and Blaugrana supporters wouldn’t have seen it coming. Barca released a statement confirming Neymar’s desire to leave the club for around $263 million, and Neymar informed his teammates of his decision before missing the day’s training session.
Lionel Messi confirmed the day’s drama with an Instagram post that read: “It was an enormous pleasure to have shared these years with you Neymar, friend. I wish you a lot of luck in the next stage of your life. See you. Love you a lot.”
Barcelona have made it clear that PSG must pay the entirety of the buyout clause before any deal is finalized, but that could happen as early as today. Neymar has now reportedly flown to London while the deal is finalized.
PSG begins its Ligue 1 campaign on Saturday, August 5, against SC Amiens, a newly promoted side that’s never been in Ligue 1 before. They’re probably hoping Neymar won’t be ready for his PSG debut by then.