Barcelona release statement confirming that Neymar has informed club of his desire to join PSG
Barcelona have confirmed Neymar has asked to leave the club.
The Brazilian is set to complete a world-record transfer to PSG, with the French giants ready to meet his €222m (£199m) release clause.
Neymar was pictured at the club’s training ground on Wednesday but did not take part in the session.
It is reported he told his teammates he was leaving the club and Barca have confirmed he wants the record switch.
The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions.
The statement read: “The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club’s offices.
“Faced with this position, the club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals €222million which will have to be deposited in its entirety.
“Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved.
“The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions.”
The fee will be more than double the fee Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba last summer and has sparked rumours that Barca could make a complaint to UEFA over a purported failure to adhere to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules by the Ligue 1 outfit.
PSG chief Al-Khelaifi, meanwhile, was quizzed on the subject by Moroccan broadcaster Medi 1 TV over the weekend, but was largely keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I think this matter is a little premature. Right now, Neymar is a Barcelona player and we’ll see what happens with him,” Al-Khelaifi said.