PSG consider Neymar sale as Al-Khelaifi warns stars
PARIS: Paris St-Germain are prepared to sell striker Neymar, French media reports said, as chairman Nasser AlKhelaifi warned that irresponsible behaviour from players won’t be tolerated anymore.
The Brazil international joined the Ligue 1 side from Barcelona for a world record €222 million in August 2017.
However, he missed large parts of the 2018-19 campaign through injury and suspension and made just 17 league appearances, scoring 15 goals.
PSG will consider selling the 27-year-old in the forthcoming transfer window if they receive a substantial offer, a report in L’Equipe said on Sunday.
Neymar is said to be unsettled at the club and to have told relatives that he was having difficulties in France even before he was accused of raping a woman in a Paris hotel in May.
The Brazilian superstar has denied any wrongdoing.
The report comes on the back of strong comments from chairman and CEO Al-Khelaifi about the attitude of squad members.
“Players will have to be more responsible than before,” he told France Football.
“It must be completely different. They will have to do more and work harder. They are not there for their own amusement.
“If they do not agree, the doors are open — Ciao! I do not want star behaviour anymore.”
His words come after a disappointing season for Thomas Tuchel’s side who, despite clinching the league title, were knocked out of the Champions League.
They also failed to win either of France’s major domestic cup competitions.