The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Neymar bust-up adds to speculation over future
Barcelona forward storms out of training in Miami
Neymar has been pictured storming out of Barcelona training following an angry confrontation with new team-mate Nelson Semedo as speculation over the Brazilian’s future continues to intensify.
The 25-year-old, linked with a bigmoney transfer to Paris St-Germain, appeared to be involved in a heated argument with Semedo during a training session in Miami ahead of today’s pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.
Neymar reportedly took exception to a challenge from Semedo, who recently signed from Benfica, and squared up to the right-back until Javier Mascherano quickly intervened.
But while Semedo walked away, Neymar was forced to be restrained by Sergio Busquets and then threw his bib on the ground before kicking a ball at a vacant goal in anger and leaving the pitch.
Barcelona published a story on their website about the session but there was no mention of Neymar, who was pictured in good spirits in the featured image.
Neymar has scored three goals in two friendlies during Barca’s pre-season tour of the US, including the winner against Manchester United, but has constantly been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.
Ligue 1 giants PSG are reportedly willing to activate Neymar’s
e222 million buyout clause in a deal that would see him become the most expensive player in the world.
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale’s agent has dismissed the “ridiculous” speculation suggesting he could leave Real Madrid this summer.
The 28-year-old is preparing for his fifth season at the Bernabeu, having won the Champions League three times during that spell, but reports have once again linked the Welshman with a move away.
However, Bale’s representative Jonathan Barnett told Press Association Sport: “The speculation is ridiculous. Stupid.”
Bale signed a new six-year contract with Real last October but speculation was sparked by coach Zinedine Zidane’s comments after this week’s pre-season defeat to Manchester City.
The Frenchman said he could not guarantee Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo would all be at the club at the start of the season.
“I hope the BBC (Bale, Benzema and Cristiano) stay for this season. I hope everyone remains,” he said after Wednesday’s friendly.
“I want everyone who is here now to stay ... but anything can happen right up until August 31.”
That, coupled with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho stating he was still looking for a player who can play on the wing, led to suggestions Bale could be the one to be offloaded, especially with Real interested in signing Monaco’s 18-year-old striker Kylian Mbappe in a world-record deal.
Barnett has dismissed those claims.