PSG president demanded €300 million for Barcelona-linked Neymar – Le Parisien

As per a report from French outlet Le Parisien (via Sport), Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi would only have parted with Neymar this summer if a massive world-record bid had arrived.

Barca's Neymar chase

Barcelona's attempts to coax Brazilian attacker Neymar back to the club have, in terms of longevity and intensity of rumours, proven the talking point of the summer transfer window.

Two years on from his La Liga departure, Neymar was hotly-tipped to make a return to the Camp Nou.

Despite having already added Antoine Griezmann to their attacking ranks this summer, the Spanish champions had long been said to be eyeing a further splash before the close of the European market today.

PSG, however, proved an altogether-tough nut to crack for the Blaugrana hierarchy.

Though reports had been rampant that Neymar himself had his heart set on
linking back up with his former club, and PSG having publicly scolded their star man for his behaviour this summer, the capital outfit's board stood firm in demanding a premium fee for a player whom they splashed out a world-record 222 million Euro on in 2017.

This eventually resulted in widespread confirmation last week that Barca had come to the decision to call a definitive end to their chase of the Brazilian:

Barça sources have confirmed that they have formally rejected PSG's last proposal, which consisted of 130 million euros, Dembélé on loan and transfers of Rakitić and Todibo. The operation is practically ruled out. [cat radio]

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) 30 August 2019

ÚLTIMA HORA: El Barça rechaza la oferta del PSG por Neymar, por @ffpolo y @EduPolo https://t.co/pi8rkgzBAm pic.twitter.com/fWearnIjJ4

— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) 30 August 2019

PSG's staggering demands

And Le Parisien have today provided an insight into exactly why the Catalan giants called time on their Neymar pursuit.

The French outlet have published quotes, said to have come from PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Incredibly, it is claimed that, during a meeting between the Qatari billionaire and the rest of the Parisian outfit's chiefs, Al-Khelaifi made it clear that Neymar would only be sold if a bid of €300 million was received:

'Neymar can leave, but only if the offer is huge: 300 million euros.'

Neymar under pressure from Mohamed Salah during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and PSG. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It is added that:

'PSG knew for a long time that Barça didn't have enough money. The price they put on Neymar's head couldn't be paid by any club. It's the story of a transfer which couldn't be done.'