Trophy plans
Neymar now the most expensive soccer player in world
Neymar’s Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele have both been linked.
There is also skepticism at the role played by PSG’s owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energyrich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbors in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a “state signing.”
But while La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca players have continued to wish their now former teammate well.
“My friend, I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!” Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two forwards hugging.
“Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together !!!! Keep like this and never change. Love you, little bro.”
Earlier on Thursday, Spain’s soccer league threatened to stall the transfer by initially refusing to accept the check presented by Neymar’s representatives at its Madrid headquarters.
La Liga president Javier Tebas had accused the French club of breaching UEFA’s financial fair play rules, designed to promote parity.
Clubs can be sanctioned by European soccer’s governing body for making a loss of more than $35 million over a threeyear period.
However, UEFA insisted the move will not automatically trigger a failure to comply with FFP regulations, and approved the deal.
Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior
Date of birth: Feb 5, 1992 (age 25)
Place of birth: Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil Height: 5-foot-9 Position: Left wing/forward
Senior international debut: vs USA, Aug 10, 2010 International caps: 77 International goals: 52 Clubs: Santos (BRA) 2009-13, Barcelona (ESP) 2013-17, Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 2017-present
Major club honors: Champions League (2015), 2x La Liga (2015, 2016), 3x Copa Del Rey (2015, 2016, 2017), Club World Cup (2015), Copa Libertadores (2011), Campeonato Paulista (2010, 2011, 2012), Copa do Brasil (2010)
Major international honors: Olympic gold medal (2016), Confederations Cup (2013)