The agent of FC Barcelona superstar Neymar has spoken in his recent chat with the press that his client was close to joining Manchester United and PSG this summer but decided to stay at FC Barcelona as it was his desire.
Wagner Ribeiro, Neymar’s agent spoke to ESPN Brazil where he made it known that PSG made a huge offer to price away the 24-year old Brazilian magician from the Camp Nou, but it was rejected and he ended up penning a new long term contract that will keep him at the Catalan club until the summer of 2021.
PSG lost their star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer transfer window and it was said that the French Champions were looking for a worthy replacement, something they saw in Neymar and were willing to pay his release clause of 190 million euros, Manchester United were also interested as stated by Ribeiro.
“Neymar was close to joining PSG,” Ribeiro told Bate-Bola Debat (as quoted by ESPN) “He would have earned €40 million a year net [if he joined PSG].”
“Neymar was also close to a spell at Manchester United, but he extended his contract to earn less at Barcelona because he wanted to stay at Barcelona.”
“PSG were willing to pay his €190 million release clause, Man United were interested but PSG were closer to signing him.”
After a lot of legal problem and unending saga, Neymar finally extended his Barcelona contract until June 30, 2021 with a release clause of €200 million after the first year, rising to €222 million in 2018 and then €250 million in 2019. He will be entering his 4th season as a Barça player and might make his season debut against Alaves on Saturday.