Xavi breaks silence on Neymar transfer links as stance on Barcelona return clear
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez remained tight-lipped when quizzed on links that Neymar could make a sensational return to the club this summer.
reported in April that the Parisians are open to offers for the Brazilian this summer as they look to reduce their wage bill and revamp their squad. Lionel Messi has already left the Parc des Princes while Kylian Mbappe is not training with the first-team squad amid uncertainty over his future.
Neymar has netted 118 goals in 173 appearances for the French club but there has been a lingering sense that he has failed to hit the huge expectations that many predicted. Chelsea have held a meeting to discuss signing the Brazilian, but boss Mauricio Pochettino – formerly of PSG – is not thought to be keen on a move.
Neymar, 31, has suffered another campaign blighted by injuries. One of the club’s top earners who carries a high status, he remains the most expensive player in the world following his £198million switch from the Catalan giants in 2017.
Reports in France have outlined how not only does Neymar want to quit the Parc des Princes this summer, but that he has chosen a return to Barcelona as his preferred destination. There is also thought to be interest from Saudi Arabian in the Brazilian superstar.
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"We have to strengthen ourselves well," Xavi told reporters on Tuesday, after Barca’s pre-season friendly win over Tottenham when asked about transfers. "The sports area and the president know this reality. I'm happy with how our players are training and our pre-season."
He added, when specifically pushed on Neymar: "I cannot say anything more about Neymar. Last year I had mentioned a name of a player from another team and that club got angry." Xavi then cryptically concluded: "From here until the end of the market, we will see."
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Neymar wants to quit PSG this summer - but his next destination remains unclearThe future of Neymar at PSG came under increasing scrutiny last season amid his ongoing feud with star attacking partner Mbappe. The French ace was believed to have been keen on the club to cash-in on the Brazilian, although both now may be on their way out.
Former PSG boss Christophe Galtier moved to tackle the issue head-on by staging a first-team meeting in which the two were rebuked and apologised, while Messi acted as a ‘mediator’ to help quell the ongoing discontent between the pair.
The fallout did not stop there, as Neymar went on to 'like' two social posts that slammed Mbappe over the episode, including a post that said the Frenchman “controlled” the club. That drama away from the pitch is what PSG are keen to move away from and helps explain their stance on Neymar.
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