Neymar Barcelona transfer plot based on request from key man

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Barcelona made several attempts to sign Neymar from PSG after he conceded he wanted to quit the French champions

Barcelona's failed pursuit of Neymar was in fact based on a request from manager Ernesto Valverde himself despite suggestions it came from elsewhere.

There was a belief that a potential return for the Brazilian was a decision taken by the powers above Valverde.

Lionel Messi was also understood to also be pressing the case for Neymar to return to the Nou Camp following two years ago.

But Barcelona's CEO, Oscar Grau, has revealed that Valverde was particularly keen on the 27-year-old which is why they placed so much emphasis on trying to sign the wantaway star.

"Neymar was a request from the coaching stuff and the manager," he said at a new conference.

Barcelona had already signed Frenkie De Jong and Antoine Griezmann before they decided to go after Neymar.

Neymar Barcelona transfer plot based on request from key man
Neymar pushed for a move away from PSG, but ultimately remained in Paris (Image: GETTY)

They manufactured two different offers in an attempt to appease PSG's needs, but Grau admits he wasn't sure the French champions were genuine in their attempts to sell.

He added: "The club did everything in our power to bring Neymar but in a sustainable way. We offered different alternatives to PSG but they rejected all.

"We made a very strong bet to sign Neymar. The club did everything possible to bring Neymar with two offers.

"One including players and one without players but in a sustainable way, but the feeling is that the PSG never wanted to sell him."

Neymar moved to Paris for €222m (£198m) two years ago, but has never looked settled and seeking an exit has further distanced himself from the club's fans.

The Brazilian returned to the starting XI last weekend, but was booed and jeered throughout at the Parc des Princes.

In fitting fashion he scored a last-minute winner with a wonder strike, but even that couldn't prompt the home fans to cheer the forward.