The future of Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may be affected by Neymar’s decision to remain at the French capital, putting the club in a precarious position. According to El Nacional, the Ligue 1 powerhouse is willing to let Neymar leave in the summer for less than €50 million. The Brazil international, though, apparently has zero interest in leaving PSG.
The former Barcelona forward is content with his current club as his deal at Parc des Princes expires in the summer of 2025. However, El Nacional claim that Paris Saint-Germain will have to allow Neymar’s close friend and teammate Lionel Messi to leave this summer if they are unable to sell the Brazilian. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with the Ligue 1 winners expires in the summer, with the Parisians eager to extend it.
PSG to pick between Lionel Messi and Neymar
While PSG sent the whole world into a frenzy by signing Lionel Messi on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 and adding him to the attack of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, they now find themselves in a fix after a couple of years. The Parisians are in a desperate need of financial stability and are unable to offer a new contract to Messi unless Neymar is let go. If not, PSG will have to lose the Argentine World Cup winner in the same way they brough him in – as a free agent.
Since his €222 million transfer from Barcelona in 2017, which set a world record, Neymar has played a key role for the French giants. In 173 games for the Parisian team so far, the Brazil international has tallied a total of 118 goals and 77 assists. He has, however, battled a number of significant injuries while at the club, and it was just last weekend, he suffered a terrible ankle injury.
On the other hand, after a challenging first season at the club, Lionel Messi is also enjoying himself this year while wearing the PSG colours. In 27 appearances this season in all competitions, the Argentina captain has created 14 assists in addition to 16 goals for Christophe Galtier’s team. However, the question still remains over his future, with the talks between his representatives having been stalled.
Meanwhile, despite the club putting Neymar on their transfer list in an effort to get rid of him, the forward will reportedly stay at Parc des Princes for the foreseeable future, according to the French publication L’Equipe. However, the only clubs in a position to afford a move for Neymar are Premier League outfits Chelsea and Newcastle, but his wages make it challenging for the potential suitors to bid for the player.
Neymar may fulfil the remainder of his current contract at PSG because of his lucrative deal and his desire to assist the Ligue 1 giants finally win the Champions League. Given that he has had a tense relationship with the club’s fans since he attempted to leave PSG just two years into his stint, his willingness to stay is rather impressive. However, PSG’s urge to extend Lionel Messi more than keeping Neymar might just provide a twist to the situation in the summer.