PSG star Neymar Jr willing to lower salary in bid to join former club this summer - Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Neymar is reportedly prepared to lower his salary to secure a return to Barcelona this summer.
Spanish outlet Beteve reports that the Brazilian is willing to lower his astronomical salary at the Parc des Princes. He would reportedly earn around €12 million per year should he finalize his return to the Blaugrana.
Neymar earns €48.57 million per year at PSG, per Salary Sport. He's the second-highest-paid player in Ligue 1, behind his Parisian teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The 31-year-old's willingness to lower his salary suggests how much he desires a return to the Camp Nou. He left Barcelona in 2017 when the Parisians triggered the €222 million release clause in his contract.
Neymar was a massive hit at Barca before his exit, bagging 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games across competitions. He has hit similar numbers for PSG, with 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 games.
However, he has endured a much more tumultuous spell at the Parc des Princes than at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian has been at loggerheads with the club's fans throughout his stay.
It remains to be seen how the veteran winger would be perceived by Barcelona fans if a blockbuster return to the La Liga champions happens. However, he's doing all the right things with regard to the financial aspect of securing a reunion.
The Brazil international is also reportedly negotiating with PSG to terminate his contract. Therefore, he would rejoin the Blaugrana on a free transfer, which would enthuse them, considering their financial issues.
Luis Suarez claims PSG's Neymar would have won Ballon d'Or had he stayed at Barcelona
Neymar's former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez has said that the Brazilian would have had a Ballon d'Or to his name had he stayed at the Camp Nou. The Uruguayan played alongside the PSG forward for four years, with the duo enjoying much success as part of the MSN frontline alongside Lionel Messi.
Suarez lavished praise on the Parisian attacker in a recent interview with PLACAR:
“I am responsible for my words. If Neymar had stayed in Barcelona, he would have won the Ballon d’Or."
Neymar is yet to win the Ballon d'Or but finished third in 2015 and 2017. He left the Blaugrana that year and has not quite made a real claim to the honor since.
The Brazilian has failed to win the UEFA Champions League with PSG since his departure from Barca. He won the competition once in 2015 while part of the La Liga giants' side. He did reach the 2020 final with PSG, but his side lost to Bayern Munich.