Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has admitted recent discussions over Neymar’s future but denied significant progress has been made.
ESPN FC sources revealed the French champions were unhappy with Barcelona after opening face-to-face talks on Tuesday and confirmed to RMC Sport that the question of the Brazil international’s future is no closer to being resolved.
“As you know, there have been discussions over his future,” Leonardo told RMC Sport. “However, nothing has advanced.”
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Barca’s fierce domestic rivals Real Madrid are also reported to have interest in Neymar.
PSG confirmed to ESPN FC on Wednesday that reports Neymar had been dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s squad were untrue and that the 27-year-old was simply training apart from his teammates as part of a personalised schedule designed to aid his recovery from his foot injury.
“False,” the Brazilian transfer guru said of the claims, pointing out that Neymar has three more years left of his PSG contract. “He is following his personalised recovery schedule.
“Neymar is a PSG player. He has three more years of contract here — that must not be forgotten.
“Everything needs to be settled and analysed before Neymar can play again.”
Neymar was treated with hostility by PSG ultras and sections of fans as the team opened their Ligue 1 account for the new season with a 3-0 home win over Nimes last Sunday.
While Leonardo understood the position taken by Les Parisiens‘ ultras, he also expressed his admiration for the €222 million player and feels he is getting to know the superstar better.
“He has made mistakes,” Leonardo said. “As you know, I did not know Neymar well before, but I am getting to know him as the days pass.
“Honestly, I think he is a good kid at heart. On the pitch, he is an extraordinary player.”
Leonardo also emphasised that there are no lingering worries about Neymar’s fitness after two right foot injuries in as many years derailed both of his two seasons with PSG.
“Things are simple,” Leonardo said. “He was handled by the best doctors and surgeons in the world. The treatment has completely healed Neymar’s fractured fifth metatarsal.
“His injury has completely been taken care of.”
Neymar is not expected to feature away at Rennes in Ligue 1 this Sunday, while a second round of talks between PSG and Barca are expected.