How PSG will react to Barca using FIFA rule to re-sign Neymar

Paris Saint-Germain chiefs are not concerned about the possibility of Barcelona invoking ‘Article 17’ to try and sign Neymar this summer, according to European football insider Julien Laurens.

PSG chiefs are open to negotiating with Barcelona over a transfer for Neymar, claims Laurens.

Neymar is believed to be keen to return to the Nou Camp this summer after failing to get his move last summer.

The Brazilian has apparently indicated to the Catalan side that he will do whatever he can to ensure a move goes through.

And Barca, too, are determined to get their man.
The La Liga side are reportedly exploring the possibility of using a FIFA rule to try and bypass any transfer negotiations and still sign the 28-year-old.

The FIFA rules and regulations for transfers has an article in it which states players can essentially buy out their own contracts.

This would mean Neymar is able to cancel his contract with PSG, leaving it up to FIFA to decide how much Barcelona would pay.

But PSG apparently aren’t bothered about that possibility, because they feel FIFA would ask the Catalans to pay a fee close to what they would ask for in a negotiation anyway.

“They know it’s a possibility,” Laurens said on ESPN FC.

“Yes, Barcelona could do that, and they [Barcelona] have lawyers who can do that.

“Even in the Neymar camp, they could do that if they want. But they [PSG] don’t think it’ll really go that far.

“Like we said before, PSG were open for negotiations last summer. If Neymar wants to go again this summer, they’ll be open for negotiations again.

“The only thing is, one – they’re not really sure Neymar wants to leave the club. Two – if Barcelona are going to FIFA for article 17, they don’t think the price tag will be very far from what PSG want anyway.

“Let’s not forget, they paid €222 million for Neymar back in 2017, and they still have two years more on his contract, that’s why article 17 can be used in this case.

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“They think FIFA would ask Barcelona to pay between €150m and 160m which is what PSG would ask for anyway.

“There’s not any need for Barcelona to go there because PSG would be willing to negotiate and the price tag would be similar to what PSG want anyway.

“Barcelona don’t need to go that far in going for Article 17.”