Like what, you should never say never.
Especially in terms of sport, football and in this case the transfer window ... In the summer of 2019, Neymar (really) did everything to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
And try to return to Barcelona.
Except that the Catalan club, apart from a few late formal posturing, has never made an offer worthy of the name.
Suddenly, Leonardo said no, and Neymar stayed, willy-nilly.
Barely more than a year later, the Brazilian is about ... to extend his commitment to Paris!
In any case, it is (very) well started for.
"
READ ALSO
- Mythical coach of AC Milan, Arrigo Sacchi is bored in front of PSG and the Blues
"
READ ALSO
- Luis Fernandez "revolted" by Leonardo who believes that Paris is not the "city of football"
Various sources had already mentioned the interest of the international auriverde for an extension in recent months.
And Leonardo confirmed Tuesday, on the media of the club, that it is also the will of the champion of France: “We have initiated (discussions for) the extensions that we are considering, for Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Juan Bernat who is injured but it is important, young people or even Julian Draxler who is at the end of his contract too.
We have already started talking and I think we will intensify (the negotiations) in the coming weeks. "
Relaunched about "Ney", the Brazilian sporting director added this: "We are starting to talk.
We talk to everyone.
After that, it's a question of timing.
Today, people cannot even move around (because of the confinement, note), that can be a problem.
But we are in the game.
The idea of renewing exists, whether for Di Maria, Mbappé or Neymar, Bernat.
We have to see with Draxler, it's a little different situation.
We start.
(he recovers) It's been a while since we started, but we arrive at a time when we have clearer ideas. "
Five more years and no increase
Obviously, the ideas are very clear as regards Neymar.
According to
ESPN
, the discussions have indeed a very good chance of success.
Currently under contract until 2022, the former Santos would be willing to return to the same salary conditions as those he enjoys today - 32 M € / year gross according to the US media - and for five new seasons.
ESPN
ensures that both parties are "optimistic" about a favorable outcome, specifying that Neymar simply asked for guarantees in terms of sporting ambitions.
The Brazilian has also expressed his desire to see Mbappé stay, but our colleagues do not say that it is a sine qua non for "Ney", who feels good in Paris.
One thing is certain: "Leo" does not need to be pushed to want to extend Mbappé, also under contract until 2022. Still according to the same source, the discussions with Neymar are much more advanced than those with the entourage of the 21-year-old French prodigy, whose future is described as "uncertain", with Real or Liverpool running around.
Leonardo has already prepared his argument, he who imagines that “PSG will be the team for the next five years.
Our players are young, experienced, they've been here for a long time, and we have Neymar and Mbappé, who are part of the World Top 3, because Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are getting older.
We are here.
We are in this situation, we must keep it.
Obviously, it's not easy to keep the best players in the world.
But that's the idea. ”
It remains to be seen what will be Mbappé's ...
Jackpot for PSG?
In the meantime, extending Neymar without a pay raise would be a huge financial blow for Paris Saint-Germain.
Regarding financial fair play, we take into account the amortization of transfers over the duration of the players' contract.
By extending the duration of the engagement of the most expensive man in the world, the capital club would limit the impact of his rich transfer in its annual accounts.
It would be the jackpot if Kylian Mbappé, transferred for 180 M € (bonus included) in 2017 also, also agreed to sign his signature at the bottom of a new contract ... If necessary, Parisian decision-makers should however clearly review his emoluments to the rise.
"
READ ALSO
- Barça attacks Neymar again in court
"
READ ALSO
- Tuchel and PSG offer themselves a breath of fresh air
Recruited in 2017 after four seasons at Barça, Neymar Jr scored 72 goals and delivered 45 assists under the Parisian colors, in 91 matches.
Hit in the thigh, he is currently with the Brazil team and could return to the field against Uruguay next week.
Kylian Mbappé, 21, has 97 goals and 58 assists in 132 matches with Paris Saint-Germain.
Like his Brazilian friend, he was retained in the France team despite his injury and should play Saturday, in Lisbon, against Portugal, in the League of Nations.
Read also
The transfer window information to remember this Thursday