Neymar reportedly takes bold decision, could now remain at PSG

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By Martin Graham | 2nd Jul 2022

Neymar has reportedly chosen to exercise an option in his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which could now bring speculation over his future to an end.

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the French giants and the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle have been touted as the sides monitoring an interest in his situation. It comes after PSG deemed the 30-year-old surplus to requirements and open to leave the club this summer.

PSG are trying to raise some cash and balance their books to pursue their transfer targets this summer and it appears that Neymar could be the most disposable of the star front-trio. Lionel Messi’s spot in the team is safe while Kylian Mbappe is the new face and obvious long-term project of the club after putting pen to paper over a new bumper deal worth £650,000 a week.

Mbappe’s contract also gives him the power to hold a say in the club’s internal running of affairs. Regardless, Neymar has now opted to stay put at PSG, as per a report.

Neymar extends option on his contract with PSG

As per RMC Sport, Neymar, who joined PSG for a world-record transfer fee of £199.8m in 2017, has been told he is no longer needed at the club and can find a new side to join ahead of the new season.

The Brazilian reportedly felt targeted by Nasser Al-Khelaifi earlier in the summer, after the club president spoke on his side’s disappointment last season, with comments seemingly aimed at the 30-year-old.

Despite the apparent fallout between parties involved, Sport newspaper claims that Neymar has instead chosen to exercise the option on his contract, which can see him extend his stay and stay put at the club until 2027.

Neymar remains under contract with PSG until 2025, having signed an extension back in 2021. He is currently on a £24m-a-year contract, making it financially difficult for any side to afford his services at the moment.

The forward scored 13 league goals in 22 appearances during PSG’s title-winning campaign last season, having suffered from an ankle injury between December and February.

What this could mean for Neymar and PSG

If Neymar decides to remain at PSG despite being told he is no longer needed at the club, it could put the player in a difficult position, especially with the World Cup coming around at the end of the year.

On the path of PSG, they will sulk at the idea of paying a player humongous wages only to leave him on the bench. If the reports are true, it could well be Neymar’s way of hitting back at the club after their latest antics to send him packing.