Barcelona wanted Di Maria included in €222m Neymar move
The Gazzetta dello Sport report, in fact, that the Blaugrana were willing to accept less than Neymar’s €222 million release clause if Di Maria was tossed into the deal.
The Argentine didn’t start last season well, despite being signed for a huge €63 million two seasons ago. Though he ended it well by totalling six Ligue 1 goals (and he bagged ten in his first campaign at the Parc des Princes), Di Maria may struggle with Neymar’s arrival.
PSG don’t seem to have a problem, however, and this may confirm that Unai Emery values the Argentine.
Di Maria is close to Messi, with the former believed to have lobbied for his international team-mate in the past.
A former Real Madrid player, Di Maria had an “anti-Barca” clause in his deal when he moved to Old Trafford three years ago. Since he’s moved on, however, it is no longer valid.
@EdoDalmonte