MX23RW : Monday, May 20 17:44:29| >> :600:113867:113867:

Josep Maria Bartomeu opens up on Barcelona's failed Neymar pursuit

Bartomeu opens up on Barca's failed Neymar pursuit
© Reuters
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists that his club "did everything possible" to re-sign Neymar during the summer.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted that his club "did everything possible" in an attempt to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old was consistently linked with a return to Barca, having allegedly made it clear that he wanted to leave the French champions before the European transfer deadline.

The Catalan giants were ultimately unable to secure a deal for the Brazil international, but Bartomeu has played down suggestions that his club did not push hard enough to re-sign the attacker.

The Barca president has also ruled out a move for the South American during the January transfer window, in addition to claiming that "other clubs were also negotiating with PSG" for the former Santos youngster.

"Neymar can't join Barca in January, and the Barca dressing room doesn't decide anything," Bartomeu told Barca TV. "We did everything possible to sign Neymar. We didn't offer any specific player in exchange. We did talk about exchanges but all the names were given by PSG.

"Without an exchange of players, the offer was to loan Neymar for a year with a mandatory purchase option at the end of the season.

"I know other clubs were also negotiating with PSG. At one point during the negotiations, Neymar asked PSG to only negotiate with Barca. He decided only to join Barca. Neymar did what he had to do, he told his club about his decision, he did everything possible, but this year he will play at PSG."

La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed that Neymar could retire at PSG due to the finances that would be required to bring the forward back to Spain.

ID:370625: cacheID:370625:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2974:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Neymar celebrates scoring against Liverpool on November 28, 2018
Read Next:
La Liga chief claims Neymar could retire at PSG
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
18CadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!