Finally, Neymar Dumps Barcelona For PSG In World Record Deal

Barcelona have confirmed that Neymar will miss training on Wednesday because he intends to leave the club as a move to Paris Saint-Germain draws closer.

Neymar, who flew back to Catalonia on Tuesday after a promotional trip to China, had been expected to resume training on Wednesday despite being strongly linked with a move to PSG.

The Brazil international was photographed driving into Barca training but the club then announced on Twitter: “Neymar Jr hasn’t trained on Wednesday with the permission of the coach.”Contacted by ESPN FC, a Barcelona spokesperson said: “Firstly, the player came to training today as expected; secondly, he spoke to his teammates to say goodbye because his intention is to leave the club; and thirdly, due to the situation the manager has given him permission not to train.”

Wagner Ribeiro, who is no longer officially Neymar’s agent but still does work for his father’s company, N&N Consultancy, confirmed to ESPN FC he was in Paris to finalise a deal with PSG.Ribeiro had written on Twitter on Wednesday: “Marvellous Paris, of the Eiffel Tower, of wine, of gastronomy and of FOOTBALL.”

Neymar’s contract contains a €222 million buyout clause, which would make him the world’s most expensive player, although La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the Spanish league will not accept the money and vowed to complain to PSG to UEFA and the European Union for what he feels are clear breaches of financial fair play.

A source told ESPN FC last month that he had already agreed terms on a contract, while French publication L’Equipe had reported on Tuesday that a PSG medical was likely to take place either at the end of the week or on Monday.

PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has used his Twitter account to deny that he told ParisFans.fr on Tuesday that Neymar was expected in Paris for a medical. ParisFans.fr said it stands by the interview.