Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Monday, August 19
- Barcelona chiefs have agreed to lodge a third offer for Neymar
- Barcelona are preparing to launch another offer for Neymar
Neymar could join Barcelona on loan this summer ahead of a permanent move
Neymar has been linked with a return to Barcelona throughout the entire summer.
However, with the transfer window set to close for European clubs on September 2, Barca are running out of time if they want to be reunited with the Brazilian superstar.
French outlet RMC Sport claim the Catalan giants are planning to offer PSG a deal that would see them take the player on loan before making the move permanent in the summer of 2020.
It has been reported that PSG are thought to be open to allowing Neymar to leave on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy the player at the end of the deal.
Neymar latest
Barcelona are preparing to launch another offer for Neymar.
According to ESPN FC, the Catalan giants will approach PSG with a bid to take Neymar on loan with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
The report claims that NO players will be offered in exchange with the Spanish champions to pay in cash next summer.
It’s said discussions are ongoing as to how much PSG will demand for his signature in 2020.
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Forgive and forget!
Barcelona should forgive Neymar for his past behaviour and do everything in their power to bring him back to the Nou Camp, according to Jordi Cruyff.
“Let Neymar come back?” Cruyff told El Pais. “I am always in favour of the return or the incorporation of players who have exceptional quality and he is a clear case of a football player who, above all, makes a difference.
“I understand the reaction of the fan who is still hurting at the moment and the manner of his departure, but the greatness of people is in understanding when one may have been wrong.
“It is understandable because, in this sport, and also in the operation of clubs, feelings have a great influence. But I am a defender of second chances.”
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Coutinho speaks
Philippe Coutinho is determined to justify expectations after completing his season-long loan move to Bayern Munich.
Coutinho passed his medical with Bayern on Sunday before putting pen to paper on his loan contract, which runs until June 30, 2020.
“The jersey of FC Bayern and the number 10 is a big responsibility,” Coutinho said. “It belonged to Robben, he was a great reference in football.
“There are always big expectations at Bayern and of course the Champions League is a goal and I will do my best to win the Bundesliga, the cup (the DFB-Pokal) and the Champions League with my colleagues.”
Paulo Dybala to PSG
This could be good news for Real Madrid and Barcelona in their pursuit of Neymar.
And that’s because PSG are prepared to accelerate their approach for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, who they view as the ideal replacement for Neymar.
The Daily Mail claim the Parisian side are looking to finalise a deal worth £73m for the Argentine by Wednesday.
PSG’s sporting director Leonardo is due to meet with Dybala’s agent in the coming days.
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Puskás award…
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award.
The goal in question was his outrageous chip from the edge of the box against Real Betis during Barcelona’s 4-1 win in March.
Messi has the most nominations for the award with seven – but has never won.
The other nine nominations include; Matheus Cunha, Juan Fernando Quintero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ajara Nchout, Fabio Quagliarella, Amy Rodriguez, Billie Simpson, Andros Townsend and Daniel Zsori.
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Lionel Messi request
Lionel Messi wants Neymar back at Barcelona.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim Barcelona chiefs are actively trying to please the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Neymar, 27, is desperate to leave the Parc des Princes – two years after his record-breaking £200million arrival.
Yesterday, French reports claimed that Barcelona chiefs were merely staging their pursuit of Neymar to keep Messi happy.
But Marca report that Barcelona are serious about signing Neymar at Messi’s request and have 15 days left to wrap up the deal.
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Third bid approved
Barcelona chiefs have agreed to lodge a third offer for PSG star Neymar.
It’s thought Barcelona have already seen two bids for the Brazilian superstar rebuffed by PSG – the latter including Philippe Coutinho.
But Marca claim that after a meeting at the Nou Camp – Barcelona have decided to try their luck again.
Coutinho, who was to be used as a makeweight in a potential deal, has now joined Bayern Munich on loan for the 2019-20 season.
But even without the former Liverpool playmaker – Marca say Barcelona executives “maintain their interest” in Neymar.
Philippe Coutinho done deal
Philippe Coutinho has joined Bayern Munich from Barcelona on loan for the 2019-20 season, with the deal including an option for the German giants to buy the playmaker.
The clubs announced the completion of the transfer on Monday morning, with Barca saying Bayern will pay £7.8million and Coutinho’s wages, and that the option for the Bundesliga champions to then buy him is fixed at £110m.
Coutinho passed his medical with Bayern on Sunday before putting pen to paper on his loan contract, which runs until June 30, 2020.
The Brazil international said on his new club’s official website: “For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe. I’m very much looking forward to that.”
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Thomas Tuchel on Neymar
Manager Thomas Tuchel says Neymar will not be sold until PSG can find a suitable replacement.
Barcelona have been one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window, spending over £200million on the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong and other recruits.
But Neymar won’t be joining that impressive list until a replacement is found.
“We must replace him before we can sell him,” Tuchel said after the 2-1 defeat to Rennes on Sunday. “Neymar is a player who needs a replacement.
“This situation won’t end today or tomorrow. If he stays, that would be important for us because he’s skilled at one-on-ones and every team needs a player like him.”
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
PSG demand two-player swap
PSG have revealed their demands for Neymar.
French outlet Telefoot claim the Ligue 1 champions have requested a two-player plus cash deal to approve Neymar’s move to Real Madrid.
It’s said PSG want Raphael Varane and Vinicius Jr plus cash in exchange for their 27-year-old wantaway forward.
However, the report adds that Real Madrid chiefs are against selling the talent pair – but could offer James Rodriguez, Thibaut Courtois or Keylor Navas instead.
Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest updates from the Nou Camp
Paul Pogba bid
Real Madrid will submit one final bid for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
That’s according to The Times, who claim Zinedine Zidane has not given up hope of luring the World Cup winner to Spain this summer.
However, The Sun claim Pogba is not Real Madrid’s top target.
That honour belongs to Tottenham star Christian Eriksen and the club intend to launch a deadline day £60m bid to force Daniel Levy’s hand.