Barcelona confirm they will not pay Neymar €26m loyalty bonus

Barcelona have confirmed they will not pay Neymar and his father the €26 million bonus, negotiated as part of his renewal last season, following his switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian completed his world-record move to the Parisiens on Thursday after triggering his €222m release clause and has signed a five-year deal at PSG

While the transfer was progressing, the Blaugrana initially deposited the money with a notary, but have now confirmed it will not be going to Neymar.

Club spokesman Josep Vives has insisted the money will not be paid because “the agreed conditions have not been met” before expanding further.

“There were three conditions - one that the player didn’t negotiate with another club before July 31; two, that he publicly expressed his decision to fulfil his contract; and three, the payment was to be made by Sep 1 to ensure he didn’t go to another club.

“With these criteria not met, the club will not pay the renewal bonus. The money is no longer with a notary but back with the club.”

Source | ESPN

Reports elsewhere have suggested that Neymar will pursue the money, meaning this is not likely to be the last we’ve heard of this, unfortunately.