Spain’s football league refused to accept a 222 million euro ($260 million) cheque on Friday in a new twist to Neymar’s ‘transfer of the century’ from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. Representatives of the 25-year-old Brazilian were turned away from the Madrid headquarters of La Liga after their payment to meet Barcelona’s buyout clause was refused by officials who have accused the French club of breaching transfer rules.
“We can confirm that the legal representatives of the player attended La Liga to pay the clause and this has been rejected,” a spokesperson told AFP.
The move may delay Neymar’s transfer but is unlikely to derail it, according to experts.
However, the player, initially expected in Paris later Thursday, is now due to arrive a day later, according to airport sources in the French capital.
The transfer dominated front pages across the world with many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees with Neymar’s new mark more than doubling the previous record set by Manchester United’s capture of Paul Pogba last year.
However, in the French capital, there is huge excitement at PSG’s Qatari-backed project landing a star name to finally make them feared among European football’s elite.
“Neymar to PSG – the transfer of the century”, splashed Le Parisien’s front page with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival.
“Neymar could be wearing the Parisian shirt from this week,” added Le Parisien with a possible presentation to take place at PSG’s Ligue 1 opener at home to Amiens on Saturday.
French President Emmanuel Macron added to the anticipation, saying the move was “good news.”