Barcelona block Neymar’s multi-million bonus

Barcelona, August 1 

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Barcelona have blocked the payment of €^26 million  bonus for star attacker Neymar as speculation mounts that he will move to Paris Saint-Germain, a source at the club said today. The Brazilian football star, who is due to come back for training on Wednesday morning, is at the centre of an apparent tug of war between the two European giants in what would be the most expensive transfer fee in football history.

Speculation is mounting that the 25-year-old could quit Barcelona for PSG for a world-record €^222 million.  “These €^26 million have been placed with a notary pending to see if the player continues,” said the source.

The renewal bonus was agreed on a year ago when Neymar extended his contract with Barcelona until 2021, and was due to be paid to the player after he completed a year. But the club has decided to put it on hold pending to see how the situation evolves.

The contract Neymar signed also increased an early termination clause from €^200 to €222 million, which PSG is reportedly willing to pay. 

Neymar’s future is the talk of Spanish football, and particularly Barcelona supporters. After a successful pre-season tour in the United States that saw Barcelona win against Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid, the footballer flew to China for a promotion trip. But he studiously avoided commenting on the situation. — AFP