PSG director responds to Neymar's Messi plea

The Brazilian superstar wants to reunite with his former Barcelona teammate, but will it be at PSG next year?

Sporting director Leonardo understands Neymar’s desire to link-up with Lionel Messi again, but he insisted Paris Saint-Germain’s focus lies on their campaign rather than on the transfer window.

Messi’s discontent with life at Barcelona made him seek an exit last summer, and he will be a free agent at the end of this season once his contract has expired. He can begin talks with other clubs in January over a summer transfer.

PSG are one of the reported favorites to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner alongside Manchester City.

🗣️ Rivaldo: "Neymar didn't make his statement about Messi in vain, he knows something and he chose the right time to say it." pic.twitter.com/osioPTsZ82

— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) December 5, 2020

Speculation over a move to Paris for Messi grew last week when Neymar expressed a desire to play alongside his former Barcelona teammate once again. However, Leonardo downplayed the importance of his comments.

“No. You know, it’s normal for Neymar to say that to an Argentinian journalist. He had to talk about Messi. It’s normal,” said Leonardo as quoted on France24.

“We have to maintain respect for others. He’s a Barcelona player. When somebody talks about our players, we are not happy. So we don’t touch other people’s players. Now is not the time to think about the transfer window.

“We are very happy with the squad we have. We are thinking of our season and the end of the first part of the season, which was very complicated.

“We have to stay focused on our goals such as qualifying for last 16 in the Champions League. And also we have to think about Ligue 1, and avoid finding ourselves in a complicated situation. Let’s keep our focus.”

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has also distanced himself from speculation over a mega bid for Messi.