BARCA BLOCK NEYMAR’S MULTI-MILLION BONUS
BARCELONA: Barcelona have blocked payment of a £26mil (RM131mil) bonus for Neymar as speculation mounts that he will move to Paris St Germain.
The Brazilian football star, who is due to come back for training today, is at the centre of an apparent tug of war between the two European giants in what would be the most expensive transfer fee in football history.
Speculation is mounting that the 25-year-old could quit Barcelona for PSG for a world- record £ 222mil (RM1.1bil).
“These £26mil have been placed with a notary pending to see if the player continues,” said a source, who refused to be named.
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 has 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 (RM1bil) to £222mil, which PSG is reportedly willing to pay.
Neymar is so close to signing for PSG, the club are already planning the ceremony to celebrate his capture.
It will be “even bigger than when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was welcomed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower”, reports The Guardian.
Reports in France on Monday claimed the Brazilian star would have the medical this week to complete his world record move. — Agencies