Neymar is not for sale according to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, despite speculation linking the Brazil superstar with a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 club are apparently ready to sensationally match the €222million release clause in Neymar s contract, with reports in the Spanish media suggesting the 25-year-old has become unsettled at Barca and is keen to step out of Lionel Messi s shadow in order to enhance his Ballon d Or prospects.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Bartomeu sought to draw a line under the developing saga and cautioned PSG that they would be in breach of UEFA s Financial Fair Play regulations if they forced through a move for Neymar.
He has a contract for the coming four years and, of course, we count on him, Bartomeu said.
He s part of our team. He s part of this [attacking] trident [with Messi and Luis Suarez].
These clauses are impossible to activate if you want to comply with Financial Fair Play. If someone doesn t want to comply, then of course it can be activated.
Done deal!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
Neymar has scored 105 goals in 186 games for Barcelona since joining from Santos in 2013 and the 25-year-old and signed an extended five-year contract running until 2021 last October.
Bartomeu s assurances follow those of his fellow board members this week, with technical secretary Robert Fernandez expressing similar sentiments over Neymar s release clause, while vice-president Jordi Mestre is 200 per cent certain Barca will keep the player.
