Neymar's braced for big decision as Paris Saint-Germain take on Man City

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Neymar's braced for big decision as Paris Saint-Germain take on Man City

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A large part of Neymar's future depends on what happens in Tuesday's Champions League game

A large part of Neymar's future depends on what happens in Tuesday's Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

After losing 2-1 in Paris last week, Neymar has no other option but to lead his team's attempted comeback as PSG fight to be in the Champions League final for a second season running.

From a Barcelona point of view, on the one side, you have the magic of Pep Guardiola, the best coach in the club's history, and on the other side, you have Neymar, a target once again this summer.

City-PSG is a key game that will mark the future of various European clubs. Regardless of what happened in the first leg, a KO will be a failure for PSG and could see them lose their two stars (Neymar and Kylian Mbappe), who are out of contract in 2022 and want to leave.

Neymar's dad has done his work and agreed on a new contract until 2026 on his current terms, which is no small feat in the middle of a pandemic.

However, Neymar is having doubts. He knows of Barça's interest and has delayed signing any new deal. He's given Barça time to structure a deal.

The 'Neymar Operation' depends on several factors. Firstly, on the results of an internal audit at Barça. Secondly, on the sale of a number of players at Camp Nou. Negotiations, obviously, won't be opened, either, while Barça are still fighting for the La Liga title.

The final factor is the need for Neymar to push to leave, as he did in 2019. PSG would have to decide whether to sell this summer or to risk losing him for free next year.

In the event that PSG turn things around against PSG, Neymar's future could drag on until after the final in Istanbul. For now, contact is in the very early stages, which is normal given Barça and PSG still have a lot to play for this season. But there has been contact between Barça and the Brazilian's people to sound out a possible deal.

Neymar knows his return to Camp Nou depends on everything falling into place and on being prepared to earn less than he would at PSG. Barça have communicated their interest in a clear and direct message towards Messi, who the club hope will also stay and lead their fight for the Champions League next season.

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