Soccer's Neymar Closer to Quit Barcelona for PSG in $263M Deal

According to multiple reports, Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. has been granted permission to leave Barcelona to join Paris St-Germain in a record US$263 million deal.

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"The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club’s offices," Barcelona said in a statement.

A club spokesperson told ESPN that: "Firstly, the player came to training today as expected; secondly, he spoke to his teammates to say goodbye because his intention is to leave the club; and thirdly due to the situation the manager has given him permission not to train."

Manager Ernesto Valverde approved the 25-year-old striker's absence from training to "sort out his future." Neymar informed his teammates Wednesday of his intentions to leave the Spanish club.

On Tuesday, French publication L'Equipe reported that a PSG medical for Neymar was likely to take place at the end of this week or early next week, while BBC reported that Barcelona has told Paris St-Germain they must pay the transfer fee "in full" before Neymar can join them.

If Neymar makes the move to Paris, it would make him the world's most expensive player.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, La Liga President Javier Tebas threatened legal action against former Ligue 1 champions if Europe's governing football body refused to take action. He also claimed that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had been made aware of the league's intentions.

Neymar transferred to Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos in 2013 for approximately US$64 million before renewing his contract with the 24-time La Liga champions last year. He has scored 105 goals for Barcelona, won two La Liga titles, three Copas del Rey and a Champions League crown.

Wagner Ribeiro, who is no longer officially Neymar's agent but still does work for his father's company, N&N Consultancy, confirmed to ESPN he was in Paris to finalize a deal with PSG.

PSG is owned by Qatari Sports Investment, which is a subsidiary of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund.