Hours after La Liga officials rejected a 222 million euro ($262 million) payment from representatives of Brazilian winger Neymar, FC Barcelona announced Thursday that the club had accepted the payment and terminated the 25-year old’s contract.
As a result, Neymar is now free to join Paris Saint-Germain, with reports indicating he will sign a five-year deal with the French side.
“On Thursday afternoon Neymar Jr.’s legal representatives visited in person the Club’s offices and made the payment of 222 million euros in the player’s name with regards to the unilateral termination of the contract that united both parties,” Barcelona said in a statement on their official website, going on to say that “the Club will pass on to UEFA the details of the above operation so that they can determine the disciplinary responsibilities that may arise from this case.”
Barring any further developments, Neymar’s move to PSG will shatter the world record for most expensive transfer, the 222 million euro fee dwarfing the 105 million euros Manchester United paid for midfielder Paul Pogba last summer.
• Josh Luckenbaugh can be reached at jluckenbaugh@washingtontimes.com.
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