Transfer Centre

Neymar 'reiterates his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 16 July 2019

Neymar 'reiterates his desire to leave PSG'

Neymar reportedly reiterates his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain during his first face-to-face talks with sporting director Leonardo.

Neymar has reportedly reiterated his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain during a short meeting with sporting director Leonardo.

Speculation linking Neymar with a return to Barcelona has gathered pace throughout the summer, and the Brazilian's absence from PSG's first week back at pre-season training plunged his future at the Parc des Princes into further doubt.

Neymar has now returned to Paris and is understood to have held showdown talks with the club lasting three hours, during which time he told them that he wants to leave.

ESPN reports that the 27-year-old has also held a separate short meeting with Leonardo, where he reiterated his desire to be sold by the Ligue 1 champions.

The talks represent the first time Neymar has made the request face to face, although he has spoken to Leonardo on a number of occasions over the past month, during which time he also made his intentions clear.

Neymar did not take part in pre-season alongside the rest of the PSG squad on Monday but did undergo his own gym session as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The French giants are understood to be holding out for a world-record bid of at least £200m for the player they signed from Barcelona just two years ago.