Denials from Barcelona are doing little to halt the fervour that Brazil star Neymar could be joining Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer that more than doubles the world record.
Neymar is still playing for Barcelona, warming up for the new season by scoring twice against Juventus in a friendly on Saturday.
But Neymar left the stadium in New Jersey without saying anything to reporters, allowing speculation he will imminently join PSG for €220m to persist.
The Barcelona coach and president have been more willing to speak, and both are adamant the mercurial forward is staying put.
“We want Neymar to be with us,” Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said after the 2-1 victory over Juventus. “We know the importance he has in our game, our dressing room, the team dynamic, and we want him with us. It’s clear.”
According to Spanish reports, Neymar has told club Josep Bartomeu that he wants to leave. But speaking on Thursday during an interview Bartomeu said firmly — “He is not on the market.”
But according to Mundo Deportivo , Lionel Messi has reportedly urged the club officials to make a move for Juventus star Paulo Dybala should the Brazilian leave the Camp Nou.
Reports in Spain and France state that the transfer could be completed by the end of July.
“Un Pari Magique” (A Magic Gamble) read the front page headline on sports daily L’Equipe on Saturday. It was accompanied by a photo of Neymar with his hand on his forehead like a ship’s captain, gazing into the horizon as if longingly eyeing a future destination.
The headline is a play on words with the favourite chant among PSG fans of “Paris est Magique” (Paris is Magic).
