In some shocking news emerging out of Spain, Paris-Saint Germain forward Neymar Jr. is suing his former club, Barcelona demanding a sum of €30mn from the Catalan giants.
Following his world record transfer fee of €222mn from La Liga, Neymar believes that Barcelona owe him €30mn alongside 10% of the fee in interest claims are in relation to a new contract he had signed with the Catalan giants before departing for the Ligue 1 leaders last year.
The €26m stems from a renewal bonus which was included in the contract, which the former Santos player alleges he has not yet received.
An article in Spanish sports outlet El Mundo, claims Neymar has “declared war” on his former club and decided to take them to court. The article claims he wants the £26m renewal bonus for his first contract, which would have kept him at the club until 2021. However, members from Barcelona’s board claim that there’s no question of paying the amount due to the breach in contract due to the transfer.
However, Barcelona are counter-suing Neymar by claiming they owe £65.6mn in damages based on his profits following his renewed contract. Should the 25-year-old win his case and the La Liga leaders part with the €30mn, they will have paid the Brazilian over £200m in his four years at the Nou Camp.
Neymar’s arrival at the Camp Nou was very similar to his departure from it considering the controversy it garnered. Barcelona were subjected to heavy tax evasion and wrong fee disclosures in a long legal battle with Santos in 2013 over Neymar’s transfer.
Barcelona stuck out their neck and risked everything to get the Brazilian to their club, which ultimately proved to be a terrible decision for the club.
Neymar was great for the club during his four years, but eventually left them after he felt that he needed a new challenge in the game.
Now at PSG, Neymar will be looking to inspire his team to both domestic and European success, as the French side will face the defending champions, Real Madrid in their last-16 clash.
Let’s see if Neymar lives up to his name and reputation on the grandest stage!
