Neymar makes Dubai stop as Barcelona hold bonus amid talk of record move to PSG

Barcelona have blocked payment of €26 million (nearly Dh113m) bonus for star attacker Neymar as speculation mounts that he will move to Paris Saint-Germain, a source at the Spanish football club said yesterday.

The Brazilian star, who is due to come back for training this morning, is at the centre of an apparent tug of war between the two European clubs in what would be the most expensive transfer fee in football history.

Speculation is mounting that the 25-year-old forward could quit Barcelona for PSG for a world-record €222m.

“These €26m have been placed with a notary pending to see if the player continues,” the source, who refused to be named, told Agence France-Presse.

The renewal bonus was agreed on a year ago when Neymar extended his contract with Barcelona until 2021, and was due to be paid to the player after he completed a year.

But the club have decided to put it on hold pending to see how the situation evolves.

The contract Neymar signed also increased an early termination clause from €200 to €222, which PSG is reportedly willing to pay.

Meanwhile, Neymar triggered a guessing game on his return from China yesterday, posting a video on social media apparently from Dubai but leaving his final destination – Paris or Barcelona – a mystery.

Neymar’s video appeared to be from the first-class lounge at Dubai airport.

In Shanghai on Monday fulfilling a sponsor’s engagement, he also posted a photograph with the caption in Portuguese: “Lunch at half-way”.

In another video posted from an aeroplane, Neymar joked around with an image messaging app that superimposed a Spanish flag and a small plane on his tee-shirt.

Neymar’s future is the talk of Spanish football, and particularly Barcelona supporters.

After a successful pre-season tour in the United States that saw Barcelona win against Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid, the footballer flew to China for a promotion trip.

But he studiously avoided commenting on the situation.

Barcelona players resume training today following their summer break.

Spanish sports media had doubts Neymar will show up for training.

The club have reportedly lined up Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, incidentally a childhood friend of Neymar’s, should the latter move to PSG. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, however, is adamant Coutinho will not be sold.