A report in Saturday’s Marca claims Neymar’s proposed transfer to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain can only happen next year.
According to the newspaper, the decision to let Neymar leave PSG lies with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Khalifa Al-Thani and not the club’s board.
Sheikh Tamim’s Qatar Sports Investments group owns the French giants, while the 37-year-old has an estimated worth of €2bn.
Marca explains Neymar’s world-record €222m transfer from Barcelona last summer was a signal of intent from the State of Qatar in its bid to ‘embrace the West with sports’.
Therefore, selling the Brazilian to Los Blancos would be ‘a diplomatic failure’ on the Sheikh’s part and involve Madrid not only pulling off their ‘most difficult deal yet’ but also ‘defeating’ the Qatari state.
The publication concludes ‘a lot of work’ is needed for Madrid to sign Neymar, so much so that it may be ‘too late’ for him to arrive this summer.
Neymar is not expected back from his metatarsal injury before the end of the season, although the 26-year-old should be fit for the World Cup.
Proud to wear the new jersey and to continue giving you joy
Orgulhoso de usar a nova camisa e continuar dando alegria a todos #ICICESTPARIS @PSG_inside @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/EPZd5DiKXh— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) May 12, 2018
