Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo says the club would be interested in reuniting Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. at the Parc des Princes, but that the French champions are just one of many clubs interested in Messi's services.
PSG made Neymar the most expensive player in history when they acquired the Brazilian's services from Barcelona in 2017. With nine major honours won and 80 goals and 46 assists in just 99 appearances since, the forward has been returning on that investment in record time.
Messi and Neymar had previously spent four years together at Barcelona, winning eight major honours at Camp Nou, including the UEFA Champions League in 2015. Argentine Messi has long spoken of his desire to be reunited with Neymar, and with his contract expiring this summer, that could plausibly be in the French capital rather than the Catalonian one.
'Chair reserved just in case'
"The great players like Messi will always be on PSG's shortlist," Leonardo explained to weekly magazine France Football. "But, of course, this isn't the time to talk or even dream about it. We're seated at a large table of those who are following his situation closely. Actually no, we're not yet seated, our chair is reserved just in case. Four months in football is an eternity, especially in these times."
Watch: Neymar lights up Le Parc with a masterful show of goals and sparkling skills!
Paris have already been busy in the transfer market this season, on and off the field. Mauricio Pochettino succeeded Thomas Tuchel as coach at the start of January, inheriting a squad that had only recently added stars such as Moise Kean, Alessandro Florenzi and Rafinha. Leonardo would like to see Neymar, and current partner in crime Kylian Mbappé, commit to new deals.
'A good feeling'
"I hope they're convinced that PSG is a good place for a footballer to be at the moment, ambitious with a very high level," he explained. "We don't have to beg them to stay; it's more negotiated than that. Those who really want to stay will stay. We talk regularly and I have a good feeling on these two issues."
Neymar and Mbappé will be back in action on Friday at home to Montpellier Hérault SC. Adding Messi to that incredible attack - if it happens at all - would only likely be in June, at the conclusion of his current deal.
