With the arrival of the Christophe Galtier-Luis Campos team in the sports management of the champions of France, the discipline has been erected as a cardinal value and Neymar, with his often criticized lifestyle, knows he is in the crosshairs.

"We no longer want flashy, bling-bling, it's the end of glitter", explained on June 21 in Le Parisien President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, in an implicit spade addressed in particular to the ex-prodigy of Santos.

Enough to feed the recurring chronicle on a transfer from the Parisian N.10, recruited at a golden price in 2017 for 222 million euros, a record amount.

While PSG's center of gravity has shifted to Kylian Mbappé after his extension until 2025 and Lionel Messi is unstoppable, "Ney" (30), whose Parisian career has been punctuated by serious injuries, does not is no longer considered an essential asset in the eyes of Parisian decision-makers.

Complex equation

Especially after a very disappointing season (13 goals and 8 assists in 28 matches in all competitions), marked by further disillusionment in the Champions League, elimination in the round of 16 against Real Madrid, future winner.

PSG's Brazilian striker Neymar during the club's summer tour of Japan, July 18, 2022 in Tokyo TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA, Toshifumi KITAMURA AFP

In the event of a satisfactory offer, PSG is therefore ready to turn the page.

But the equation is very complex and the Brazilian, who does not show a mad desire to leave Paris, is in a strong position in this case.

Neymar is aware of this: the clubs capable of matching his astronomical salary (more than 4 million euros monthly) are not running the streets.

After seeing his contract renewed in 2021 until 2025, he himself activated two clauses allowing him to stretch his lease for two additional years (2027), according to L'Equipe.

And if his compatriot and former partner at PSG Thiago Silva recently made foot calls to him to join him at Chelsea, nothing in his statements suggests departure desires.

Taken aback by the Parisian supporters at the end of last season, Neymar did not hesitate to tickle them.

"They will get tired of whistling at me because I will stay," he said, bravado.

The World in focus

Same tone at the end of May: "For the time being, nothing has come back to my ears, but on my side, the truth is that I am staying".

New PSG coach Christophe Galtier was equally adamant on July 5.

"Obviously I want Neymar to stay, because when you have world-class players, it's better to have them with you than against you," said the former Nice technician.

Since his arrival on Japanese soil on Sunday for a ten-day tour with the capital club, Neymar has displayed a broad smile and willingly lends himself to numerous marketing operations.

Nothing to do with his sulky attitude in 2019 when he accompanied his teammates for a summer internship in China dragging his feet, hoping for a return to FC Barcelona that was finally refused.

The proximity of the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18) is another essential fact and hardly encourages Neymar to change scenery.

On the contrary, the Brazilian says he is more determined than ever to shine for what he considers to be the "last" big meeting of his life as a footballer.

"This season, all shots will come in, free kicks, headers..." he recently confided during a live on Facebook with his fans.

"I feel good. I'm confident! I trained a lot during my holidays," he warned.

© 2022 AFP