Neymar’s father and agent, Neymar da Silva Santos, has refuted claims that his son is seeking a transfer away from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during this summer’s transfer window.
The talented Brazil international’s future has been a topic of much discussion, but recent reports indicate that the focus has shifted towards Kylian Mbappe’s potential move away from the French champions.
According to a recent report, Neymar had supposedly expressed his desire to PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi to leave the club before the market closes. However, Neymar’s father quickly dismissed these rumors as false.
When asked about the speculation, Neymar da Silva Santos stated, “I cannot confirm a news that has not happened, L’Equipe is L’EFake,” during an interview with the PL Brasil channel.
Neymar joined PSG in 2017 after leaving Barcelona. Since then, he has made 173 appearances for the French giants, scoring 118 goals and providing 77 assists across all competitions. Last season, despite missing several matches due to an ankle injury, he still managed to contribute 18 goals and 17 assists in 29 games for PSG.
Although Neymar’s contract with PSG extends for another two years, there have been suggestions that his relationship with certain portions of the club’s fanbase has prompted him to consider a new challenge elsewhere.
PSG recently experienced the departure of Lionel Messi on a free transfer, while Mbappe’s exit remains a possibility. On the other hand, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele is reportedly on the verge of joining PSG.
Barcelona, Neymar’s former club, has shown interest in reacquiring the Brazilian forward. During an interview after Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy final victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona’s head coach Xavi was asked about the potential return of Neymar. Xavi refrained from providing any concrete details but acknowledged that the transfer window remains open until the end of the month.
Xavi also emphasized the need for reinforcements as Dembele prepares to complete his move to PSG. Barcelona will commence their La Liga campaign against Getafe on August 13, while PSG’s Ligue 1 season kicks off at home against Lorient on August 12.