Sources: Barca can signal Griezmann and Neymar
Moises Llorens
Sam Marsden
Barcelona’s transfer for Antoine Griezmann doesn’t rule out the potential for signing Neymar this summer time, though the Spanish champions will anticipate Paris Saint-Germain to return to them, varied sources have informed ESPN FC.
Each Ernesto Valverde and the membership’s sporting construction — together with sporting director Pep Segura, technical secretary Eric Abidal and his assistant Ramon Planes, who’re working exhausting on bringing in new gamers — have given the inexperienced mild to including each forwards to the squad through the switch window.
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Whereas a deal to herald Griezmann from Atletico Madrid is progressively advancing, with the switch set to be introduced inside the subsequent week, the scenario with PSG attacker Neymar is transferring a lot slower.
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ESPN FC realized final month that PSG are open to promoting Neymar and sources with data of the scenario at Barca have stated the Catalan membership are ready for the Ligue 1 aspect “to open the door and invite negotiations” for the Brazil worldwide.
The identical high-ranking sources contained in the membership added that “it is a sophisticated scenario, however [signing Neymar] is just not not possible.” They add that they’ve appeared over the figures and may afford the operation, offering there are extra gross sales this summer time.
Vice chairman Jordi Cardoner stated final week that Neymar desires to return again however Barca are demanding he fulfils a spread of circumstances to assist facilitate a Camp Nou return and cut back the stress with the supporters. There’s nonetheless some disappointment about the best way he give up the membership for PSG in a world document €222 million switch in 2017.
The Blaugrana need him to indicate that he regrets the best way he left. They’re additionally searching for him to decide to dwelling a extra skilled life-style away from the pitch as there are doubts about how he chooses to spend his non-public time.
The sources add that Barcelona nonetheless really feel Neymar “is a unique kind of participant” who can provide one thing distinctive. They imagine having Neymar and Griezmann be a part of up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez can be a “blessing” for Valverde, who can be tasked with becoming “probably the most feared assaults in historical past” into the identical aspect.
ESPN FC reported two weeks in the past that one of many keys to any potential deal for PSG can be the inclusion of Barcelona gamers on high of any switch payment. Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic and Ousmane Dembele may all be used as makeweights, it has been urged, though it’s not one thing the gamers have been approached over but as Barca await PSG’s transfer.
In the meantime, Barca ought to finalise the €120m signing of Griezmann subsequent week after his buyout clause dropped from €200m on Monday. They won’t pay a penny greater than the France ahead’s clause, however can be open to negotiating with Atletico if it meant they might pay in instalments.