Barcelona have benefited greatly from Neymar‘s emergence into one of the world’s best players, but the 24-year-old Brazilian has far outplayed his contract. With a bitter contract extension dispute on the horizon, there are reports that Barcelona could actually be forced to sell their prized striker.
According to the Daily Star, Barcelona are actually considering selling Neymar as a result of his salary demands. Per the source, Neymar is seeking a pay raise from £77,000-a-week to £300,000-a-week. The report noted that Barcelona’s recent sponsorship problems, along with his recent form and off-the-field lifestyle have contributed to the club’s increasing willingness to part with the Brazilian scoring machine.
Neymar has a release clause of £144 million – so his transfer would undoubtedly shatter the transfer record should the reigning La Liga champions decide to part ways with their prized star.
The clubs most willing and able to afford Neymar’s massive release clause are Manchester United and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Since joining Barcelona in 2013, Neymar has 53 La Liga goals and 82 total goals. He was a finalist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or this past season – losing to teammate Lionel Messi.
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