Transfer Centre

Barcelona confirm Neymar wants to leave, given green light to 'resolve future'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 02 August 2017

Barcelona confirm that Neymar wants to leave the club and that he has been given permission to "resolve his future" amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona have released a statement confirming that Neymar wants to leave the club and has been given permission to "resolve his future".

The Brazilian is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, who are believed to be prepared to meet the star's €222m (£198.6m) release clause, which would make the 25-year-old the most expensive footballer in history.

This morning, the La Liga club confirmed that Neymar was allowed to miss training, and now they have revealed that the player will only be sold if his buyout clause is paid in full.

An initial statement read: "Before the morning session began, Neymar Jr. informed those present of his wish to leave the club and was therefore given permission to miss training and resolve his future."

A lengthier announcement from the club was later published on their official website, reading: "The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club's offices.

"Faced with this position, the club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of July 1 totals €222m which will have to be deposited in its entirety.

"Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved. The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions."

Neymar has won eight trophies, including two league titles and the Champions League, during a four-year spell at Barcelona.