Barcelona have announced that Neymar has been given permission to miss training with the Spanish club as his expected switch to Paris St Germain moves a step closer.
According to reports in the Spanish media, the Brazilian told his team-mates this morning that he has the "intention of leaving the club and seeking his future elsewhere". Barcelona say Neymar left the training ground 30 minutes after arriving on Wednesday.
It has been claimed that Barca sent a private message to members of the sports media in Spain confirming the 25-year-old is leaving, but have offered no further details. A spokesman from the club confirmed to Reuters that a message was sent. A PSG spokesman declined to comment.
Neymar has a €222m (£198m) release clause at the Nou Camp and has already reportedly agreed personal terms at the Parc des Princes ahead of a move which will more than double the world record transfer fee that United paid for Paul Pogba last year (£89m).
It is expected the former Santos man will complete his move to the Ligue 1 giants within the next seven days.
PSG's squad contains four players who have played with Neymar for Brazil, with Dani Alves - also a team-mate at Barcelona - having already joined the club this summer.
Not surprisingly, social media has greeted the news with bafflement. Not only with the earth-shattering cost, but with Neymar's expected decision to move to an inferior league.
Others feel the sale of Neymar will free up the cash to bolster the Spanish giants' squad.
Source: Agencies