Neymar planning to sue Barcelona over unpaid dues

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar is preparing to sue Barcelona for £3 m over unpaid salary and issues around his controversial transfer to the Ligue 1 giants, if reports in Spain are to be believed. 

Spanish media outlet El Mundo claims that the Brazilian has accused his former club and President Josep Maria Bartomeu of acting in “bad faith” over his world-record £198 m fee to the French capital club.

Despite the fact that the 27-year-old superstar has been consistently linked with a return to Barcelona, the forward now believes that his former employers owe him £2.9m in unpaid wages. He further adds that an additional amount of £36.2m is pending, via a renewal bonus.

The report also added that the La Liga side themselves countered the former Santos ace's lawsuit to seek damages of their own for an alleged breach of contract. 

In an interview with 'Cadena Ser', Neymar Sr., who serves as an advisor to his son, revealed that the action was nothing new before expressing hope that the situation would soon be resolved.

He said: “We felt we were negatively affected at that time. We want to reach an agreement with Barca, it is what is best for everyone. We have never had a bad relationship with Bartomeu. We do not know if we will return to Barcelona, he has a contract with PSG right now.”

Neymar signed for Barcelona in 2013 from Santos and won two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League, before his controversial switch to PSG in 2017.

His lawsuit against the Catalan outfit has been taking place despite reports linking the superstar Brazilian with a move back to his former club.

However, with the ongoing spat between the parties, it will be a good news for other clubs interested in the Brazilian superstar. Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been linked with the former Santos superstar.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly willing to sell the rebellious forward and could even drop his £250m asking price to get a deal over the line. According to the reports, PSG have seemingly run out of patience with the 27-year-old superstar.

PSG have reportedly identified Sadio Mane of Liverpool as the replacement of Neymar but it is highly unlikely that the Senegal superstar would want to quit high-flying Liverpool for PSG.

Cover image credits: Medium