PSG Happy With 2 Barcelona Stars As Part Of Neymar Transfer

JACK OTWAY

PSG are happy to take Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho as part of any Neymar transfer deal with Barcelona because they want four late signings, according to reports.

PSG are ready to allow Neymar to join Barcelona if the transfer suits them, despite their preference being to sell the wantaway star to Real Madrid instead. The Ligue 1 giants have come to terms with the Brazil international’s decision to leave the Parc des Princes and are scrambling to get him off their books before the European transfer window shuts on September 2.

And Catalan newspaper Sport say PSG would happily take both Coutinho and Rakitic off Barcelona’s hands. Barcelona are ready to forgive Neymar for his controversial move to the Parc des Princes in 2017. And, all summer long, Coutinho and Rakitic have been two players mooted to join the Ligue 1 champions.

The report says PSG want four late signings: an offensive midfielder, a forward, a midfielder and a goalkeeper. That’s why they want Coutinho and Rakitic. The former would likely operate in the No 10 role he did at Liverpool. During his time at Barcelona, he’s often been shunted out wide. PSG initially wanted Juventus’ Paulo Dybala but will drop interest in the Argentina international should they get Coutinho instead.

And Rakitic’s composure in the middle of the park is why PSG would love to take the Croatia international on board. PSG think Mauro Icardi could flourish at the club but feel he wants to join Juventus instead. And, regarding goalkeepers, no names are mentioned.

Meanwhile, PSG icon David Ginola believes that his former club must sell Neymar before the deadline.

“It’s a huge disappointment to see those insults from fans because there’s a thin line between love and hate,” he said.

“They are becoming more and more impatient because they were promised great things.

“The insults, the whistles, they were too much, it’s inexcusable.

“At the end of the day, Neymar is to blame.

“He’s a symbolic player here. When the supporters hear Neymar say: ‘My best memory as a footballer is when Barça came back against PSG’ it was cruel and hurt every (PSG) supporter.

“If a player doesn’t respect the club or its values, they should leave.”