Transfer Saga: Barcelona ‘Block’ Neymar’s €26m Bonus

Spanish football giant FC Barcelona have reportedly blocked payment of a bonus worth €26 million to Neymar amidst speculations linking the 25-year-old with a move to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

“These €26 million have been placed with a notary pending to see if the player continues,” a person close to the Brazilian, who pleaded anonymity told AFP.

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 have decided to put it on hold pending to see how the situation evolves, Livemint reports.

Neymar has been at the centre of a transfer saga that would be the most expensive in football history.

PSG are believed to be ready to meet the 25-year-old’s €222m release clause but Barca remain confident of keeping their star forward.

The Brazilian international is due to come back for training on Wednesday morning, after travelling to China for a promotional trip.

Already fans in Barcelona have taking to the streets to register their disgust as regards the possible transfer, labeling Neymar a traitor and mercenary.

“Wanted: Traitor,” the yellow-backed poster which appeared around the city on Tuesday exclaimed, alongside a photo of the former Brazil captain.
“Mercenarios get out of Barca, only players who love the shirt.”

Barcelona fans have put up a poster outside Camp Nou with Neymar’s photo and calling him a mercenary. They want him out of the club. pic.twitter.com/J7nuHFgU2z

— Sán (@Zizouology) August 1, 2017