PSG star Neymar 'can leave' after Brazil star fails to return to pre-season training
Neymar’s proposed return to Barcelona has edged closer after Paris Saint-Germain admitted their star man can leave the club.
The Brazil icon is reportedly keen on a return to the La Liga club where he formed a strong bond with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Amid growing rumours of discontent in Paris, the 27-year-old forward has failed to report pre-season training.
And the Parisian club’s sporting director Leonardo said the world’s most expensive signing is free to leave the French capital.
He told La Parisien: "Neymar can leave PSG, if there is an offer that suits everyone.
"But to date, we do not know if anyone wants to buy it or at what price.
"PSG wants to rely on players who want to stay and build something big."
After an astronomical €222m move to the Ligue 1 giants in 2017, Neymar was portrayed as the man who could lead PSG to European dominance.
But, under both current coach Thomas Tuchel formerly Unai Emery, PSG have been unable to transform domestic dominance into European success - exiting the Champions League at the last 16 stage in each of the last two seasons.
And the club were left unimpressed by the Brazilian’s non-attendance upon their return to pre-season training.
"Paris St-Germain notes that Neymar Jr was not in attendance at the agreed time and place. This was without the club's prior authorisation," read a club statement.
"The club regrets this situation."
The former Santos star’s dad, Neymar Sr, is quoted as saying PSG were ‘aware’ of his non-attendance due to prior charity commitments.
Rumours have persisted that the forward is eager to return to Barca, despite the fact the Catalans themselves seem less keen.
With the likes of Frenkie de Jong and possibly Antoine Griezmann having already moved to the Nou Camp this summer - it remains to be seen whether they could afford the ‘suitable’ price tag PSG are chasing.
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