Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has insisted that they must hold on Brazilian superstar Neymar this summer after speculation surrounding forward isa target for Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint-Germain.
The French club is prepared to make a world record bid for the Olympic gold winner Neymar who has a £192m release clause inserted in his contract.
Neymar has refused to publically commit his future to Catalan club which has reportedly left the club fearful of losing one of their key assets ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 friendly win over Juventus on Saturday night, in which Neymar scored twice in the first half, Valverde stressed that Barcelona will do their all to keep Neymar at the club.
“Barca is not going to go without Neymar,” he told reporters. “We want him with us. We know the importance he has not just in our play, but also in the dressing room, where he contributes to the dynamic of the group. We want him with us, that’s clear.”
Neymar, who joined Barca from Santos in 2013, netted 13 goals in 30 La Liga outings the last term and created a further 89 chances for his teammates.
