Neymar set for Paris Saint-Germain debut as Barcelona finally receive world record fee
Spanish side deny speculation they slowed the process and the Brazilian is now in line to face Guingamp on Sunday
Neymar is expected to make his much-awaited debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday in the small Brittany town of Guingamp after French football authorities finally received his international transfer certificate.
The French Football Federation received the document from their Spanish counterpart on Friday, more than a week after PSG signed the Brazilian from Barcelona.
The French football league said the international transfer certificate (ITC) was submitted by the federation, and Neymar’s transfer would be ratified later on Friday, clearing the way for him to play at Guingamp on Sunday.
The hold-up prevented Neymar from making his PSG debut last Saturday against Amiens after completing his world-record €222 million (HK$2.06 billion) transfer.
PSG wanted Neymar to start the season at their Parc des Princes home, but his debut was delayed because of the paperwork issues and the Brazilian was only unveiled to fans on Saturday and could only watch from the stands as his new team started their league campaign with a 2-0 win.
Barcelona said there was nothing strange about the situation and the wait was because of the banks. Just a few hours before the French federation said it had received the ITC, the fee was made available in Barcelona’s accounts.
Barcelona denied speculation that they slowed down the process in retaliation for PSG luring one of their biggest stars out of the Camp Nou.
It’s not about the money, money, money: Neymar insists price tag was not behind record Paris Saint-Germain transfer
Barcelona said they had been waiting on the banks to complete the transaction for the massive amount of money.
PSG coach Unai Emery has yet to announce his squad for the trip to Guingamp, but wants Neymar to be playing.
“We all want him to start playing,” Emery said. “We want him in the squad, and in the starting 11.
“He has trained well, and we have also worked on tactical aspects and set pieces. He is ready.”
