Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Reportedly Agrees PSG Deal, Latest Rumours

Barcelona superstar Neymar has reportedly agreed a 2017 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, meaning the 2016-17 season could be his last at the Camp Nou, according to Spanish media. 

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson cited Spanish newspaper AS, which reported Brazilian outlet UOL had claimed the Brazil forward already has a deal in place to move to Paris next summer:

PSG are said to be hoping to sign Neymar in a world-record deal as they look to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer. The Swede is leaving Parc des Princes on a free transfer after four successful years in the French capital.

That's according to Kieran Gill of MailOnline, who reported on Friday that PSG are considering triggering Neymar's £153 million release clause in a bid to soften the blow of Ibrahimovic's departure.

JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images

News of Neymar's PSG agreement comes amid speculation he was actually set to sign a contract extension with Barca.

At a recent press conference, Blaugrana sporting director Robert Fernandez insisted the star was set to stay: “Neymar will stay. He will reach an agreement with Barca and he will be here for a long time. The club will make it public when the extension is to be made."

Football researcher Paulo Freitas also cited the UOL report, which alleged Neymar's search for individual fame and a better chance at winning FIFA's Ballon d'Or may be his motivation to move:

The Ligue 1 champions sit as one of the few clubs who could feasibly make the move a reality, and they'd also offer a substantial leap in wages after Gill reiterated the recent revelation Neymar earns just £77,000 a week at Barca.

Gill's report also provided previous quotes from Wagner Ribeiro, one of Neymar's most prominent representatives, who refused to rule out the possibility of his client one day moving to Paris in an interview with L'Equipe:

"

If PSG show an interest in Neymar, we can discuss it. A contract can also be terminated provided that the release clause is paid. 

It’s huge. €193m (£155m). But I don't think that would be an insurmountable problem for PSG.

He feels good in Barcelona, he’s loved over there, and he’s playing for the best team in the world. It’s no small feat to impose yourself at such an enormous club. 

But the prospect of living in a city like Paris and to play for a club like PSG – that’s also a dream for every player.

"

Former Barcelona and Brazil maestro Ronaldinho started his European career with PSG and impressed for the French giants before moving to the Camp Nou, but Neymar could go in the opposite direction one day.

PSG are desperate to not only find a player who can present the same attacking threat Ibrahimovic once did, but also a superstar as marketable as their former Swedish superstar.

Wong Maye-E/Associated Press

In Neymar, they would have all that and more, with the South American arguably an even bigger star vehicle than Ibrahimovic, and his popularity only looks likely to grow in the coming years.

Barcelona rake in a lot of money each year based largely off merchandise sold thanks to Neymar's links to their brand. The Brazilian recently broke new ground by becoming the first-ever footballer to collaborate with American sportswear giant Air Jordan, per Breathe Sport:

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Neymar Jr's Nike collaboration with Michael Jordan  pic.twitter.com/BzVmVXllJw

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) June 2, 2016"

The £153 million value of Neymar's release clause trumps the world transfer record of £85 million Real Madrid paid to sign Gareth Bale in 2013 by a country mile.

Neymar moved to Barcelona from Santos in 2013 and has enjoyed three hugely successful years in Spain, winning the UEFA Champions League and two Primera Division titles, but his time with the club is reportedly winding to an end.