Barcelona blow as Neymar wants new PSG contract… but future hinges on Champions League success this season
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NEYMAR is reportedly prepared to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, but the potential deal will depend on his team's success in the Champions League this season.
The news comes as a blow to Barcelona as the Brazilian was said to be closing in on a deal to return to Camp Nou.
PSG are confident they will be able to tie down their striker for the following season, but no decision will be made before April or May.
According to ESPN, the 5ft 9in forward feels settled in the French capital "both on and off the pitch" and feels part of the "club and of the city".
The reconciled relationship has made Neymar consider staying at the club, but only if the Ligue 1 champions emerge victorious in the Champions Leauge this year.
Neymar : "My objective is to win everything I can with Paris Saint Germain and the Brazilian national team. To get to the Champions League final, win the Copa America and look for new challenges".
He continued to reveal his expectations for the Champions League this year saying: "We know we have quality and we hope we can be amongst the finalists".
With two and a half years left on his contract, it has been reported conversations are taking place between sporting director Leonardo and Neymar's father.
Neymar's representatives told Le Parisien: “We will listen to what they have to say.
"Last spring, Neymar was very close to extending his contract, and it was PSG who had been after that to happen.
“Neymar is happy like he hasn’t been for a really long time… [An extension] is possible if PSG gets the results and wins. Because Neymar wants to win.”
In a bid to win trophies, PSG paid a record breaking £189m for Neymars transfer from Barcelona two years ago - making him the most expensive player to date.
Being knocked out at the Champions Leagues round of 16 on two different occasions, PSG are yet to see European glory.
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Coasting through the group stages this year, pressure is building with their next clash against Borussia Dortmund on February 18 having a lot riding on it.
With PSG averaging 2.85 goals per match in their 2020 season and Borussia Dortmund averaging 2.57 it will be a close game.
Scoring 13 goals and notching up seven assists across all competitions this season, Neymar will play an important role in securing a win.
