Barcelona have blocked payment of a €26 million ($31-million) bonus for star attacker Neymar as speculation mounts that he will move to Paris Saint-Germain, a source at the club said Tuesday.
The Brazilian football star, who is due to come back for training on Wednesday morning, is at the centre of an apparent tug of war between the two European giants in what would be the most expensive transfer fee in football history.
Speculation is mounting that the 25-year-old could quit Barcelona for PSG for a world-record €222 million.
“These €26 million have been placed with a notary pending to see if the player continues,” the source, who refused to be named, told AFP.
The renewal bonus was agreed on a year ago when Neymar extended his contract with Barcelona until 2021, and was due to be paid to the player after he completed a year.
But the club has decided to put it on hold pending to see how the situation evolves.
The contract Neymar signed also increased an early termination clause from €200-222 million, which PSG is reportedly willing to pay.