The soccer transfer that has gripped the world of sports over the past few weeks is now in its last stretch as Brazilian superstar Neymar Junior is all set to complete his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain.
The $257 million transfer that is being touted as the "transfer of the century" has been the big talking point of the summer transfer window. According to reports, the player has undergone his medical exam and is now a step away from completing his move to the Paris-based club.
Saga nearing its end
A medical examination is a formality that is usually done prior to making an announcement that a player has joined a club, and according to a report on ESPN, the Brazilian has had his medica examl with PSG.
ESPN sources have revealed that the forward had his PSG medical exam in Porto, Portugal and is going to fly down to Paris in order to complete the move that will make him the most expensive player in the world.
The player visited Barcelona yesterday and informed the club that he was going to join Paris Saint Germain. The club released a statement to that effect and went on to state that the player's $257 million buyout clause will need to be paid in its entirety.
According to ESPN's sources, Neymar Junior flew to Porto with a PSG official in order to complete the medical exam, and the deal is expected to be announced at some point this week. Neymar's former agent Wagner Ribeiro spoke to journalists regarding the matter and said as much.
He said, "They will pay Neymar's release clause today [Wednesday], so the presentation can take place at the end of the week."
Barcelona's squad in disarray
Barcelona had moved heaven and earth to bring Neymar to the Camp Nou a few years ago, and the player had quickly become one of the mainstays of the squad as the club won the league as well as the coveted UEFA Champions League.
However, his eventual departure will be a major blow for the club which failed to win any major trophies last season and will completely alter the strength of their squad when compared to those of the other European super clubs. The $257 million fee is hardly a compensation for the club since selling clubs will now ask Barcelona to pay exorbitant fees for any player that they might wish to buy.
On the other hand, Neymar's move to Paris Saint Germain is a matter of prestige since the Paris-based club will now be counted among Europe's super clubs. However, it is also important to keep in mind that the fee that they are going to pay for Neymar might change the business of top-level soccer forever.
