Here is how Barça reacted to the war between PSG and Neymar
Barça hope this public war of words could see PSG lower their demands for the Brazilian star
Barça are standing back as they watch PSG and Neymar go to war over a potential transfer this summer. Despite Neymar asking for Barça to help him out by moving quickly to wrap up a deal, Barça are instead playing the waiting game. They know that if this war of words continues than it could bring down PSG's asking price as their desire to move on Neymar increases.
Bartomeu said last Friday: "Neymar wants to leave but PSG don't want to sell him." This was in regards to the French club demanding €300m for their wantaway star.
EVERYTHING IS MOVINg forward
Yesterday PSG announced that Neymar had failed to turn up for preseason training. Neymar, alongside his representatives, insists he told the club he wouldn't be returning until next week due to prior commitments. PSG's director of football, Leonardo, also freely admitted that Neymar wanted to leave Paris this summer. He also revealed that no offers had come in yet and that it was a transfer which could drag on for weeks rather than days.
Barcelona know their cash reserves will take a hit this week when they complete the signing of Antoine Griezmann but they are open to making a move for Neymar should the asking price be fair.
As of today, Barça are in no rush to deposit a huge sum of cash to bring Neymar back to the club. They are, however, keeping up to date with events in Paris should the club lessen their demands for the Brazilian. But it must be with the right conditions.
TWO POSTURES
Leonardo told 'Le Parisien' that a deal for Neymar "is only about finances, not about sentiment". This means PSG are willing to put aside their bad blood with Barcelona if they can reach a suitable agreement over a transfer. As far as SPORT is aware, the postures between all the relevant parties are advancing forward but a definitive agreement is still some way off.
Publicly, Barça won't make any further moves until PSG reduce their asking price. One option is to include players going the other way to bring the overall cost as close to zero as possible. Barça bought Dembele and Coutinho with the Neymar money and are now willing to send both to PSG in exchange for Neymar.
How will it happen?
Barça hope that PSG lose patience with Neymar. He's expected back in France on the 15th July and this could be key depending on how that reunion goes. If Neymar returns ready to fight for his move away, PSG will do everything to get him out of their club. But should the Brazilian turn up ready to make peace, he'll continue his career there.
There are parts of a potential deal already in place. Neymar's agreed personal terms with Barça and likewise Coutinho with PSG, as revealed by SPORT. However, this transfer saga has only just begun and there will be plenty more twists and turns before this reaches a conclusion one way or another.
