This is happening, isn’t it? One of the most incredible transfers in football history could soon be complete.
Barcelona confirmed via a statement on their official website that Neymar had informed them of his “decision to leave the club”. Barcelona also made it clear that the buy-out clause in the Brazilian’s contract, which as of July 1 amounts to €222 million, “will have to be deposited in its entirety”.
Until the money is deposited, Neymar “remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions”, the statement added.
With Barcelona confirming that Brazilian superstar can leave the Spanish club, the reactions have already begun.
There were some who understood why Neymar wants to leave now:
Neymar for €220million will get folk saying about starving weans in Africa but how many of them can rattle in a worldie from 40yards
— Forza Papac (@ForzaPapac) August 2, 2017
Feel kinda bad for Neymar. They way people are painting his move to PSG as him just doing it for the money.
— JΛY BUCKS 🇦🇺 (@TheMasterBucks) August 2, 2017
He's going to France not China.
Right move for Neymar to become the best in the world. Winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain is crucial. Makes sense.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) August 2, 2017
People calling Neymar out for a bad move, but fair play to him, stepping out of his comfort zone in Messi's shadow and taking a gamble.
— Josh (@JoshSlinger14) August 2, 2017
Many fans and analysts, though, pointed out the ridiculousness of the move.
As long as Barca don't fail to sign Coutinho and instead swoop for Hazard and Eden leaves.. Neymar can do whatever he wants. Wasted at PSG!
— George Benson (@MrGeorgeBenson) August 2, 2017
HELLO Neymar, it's okay to go. We are still cool without you. We've got Messi etal...🙄😆. Thanks all the same. @FCBarcelona
— Nathaniel Bassey (@nathanielblow) August 2, 2017
When all is said and done, at least Neymar can feed his family now
— barcastuff (@barcasstuff) August 2, 2017
One thing I will say about Neymar move: proves beyond doubt that money is what really matters in football these days. Downhill from here
— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) August 2, 2017
— Shantanu (@shantanuagr) August 2, 2017
But as always, humour wins Twitter.
💰 Live pictures of Neymar’s dad…#NeymarPSG pic.twitter.com/rsIQVZ5WD2
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) August 2, 2017
Neymar to PSG
— Andy Castell (@AJ3) August 2, 2017
Coutinho to Barcelona
Liverpool to The Championship #TransferRoulette
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) August 2, 2017
Neymar camino al PSG al puro estilo de Mario Bros. 😂 pic.twitter.com/KQKFBNBu19
— Historia del Fútbol (@History_Fut) August 2, 2017
Leaked footage of Neymar saying goodbye to his Barcelona teammates this morning 🎥😩 pic.twitter.com/OWgjuScHaU
— Now Football (@Now__Football) August 2, 2017
Neymar officially asking to leave the day after Liverpool demolish Bayern. I hope he knows there's no room in the Liverpool XI for him.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) August 2, 2017
Which is more outrageous?
— Ellis - AwayDays (@ellis_platten) August 2, 2017
LIKE - Neymar for €222,000,000
RT - Paying 5p for a shopping bag pic.twitter.com/9t1l5BIwLH
Let's buy Espanyol with the money we get for Neymar and turn them into a local Catalan restaurant
— Josip (@jperkovic93) August 2, 2017
If the move does happen – which seems the likeliest scenario now – the money involved would just be insane.