Neymar won't leave PSG even if Messi departs

Neymar is reportedly keen on staying at Paris Saint-Germain, even if close friend Lionel Messi decides to depart on a free transfer this summer. 

The Brazilian superstar remains under contract with the French giants until the summer of 2027, despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club since last summer.

French newspaper outlet L'Equipe are claiming that Neymar will remain at Parc des Princes for the foreseeable future - despite the club inviting interest from Europe's elite clubs with the forward being put on their transfer list in a bid to offload him.

His wages, however, make it difficult to find a potential buyer with Chelsea and Newcastle the only real clubs in a position to afford such a deal for Neymar. 

Neymar's bumper contract and his desire to help end the Ligue 1 giants' long wait for a Champions League crown, mean he could see out the rest of his existing contract in the French capital.

The forward wants to remain in France, even if his team-mate and close friend Messi opts to leave, with the Argentine's future in the balance amid talks of a return to Barcelona and interest from MLS side Inter Miami. 

The same report suggest that Neymar's relatives have also assured that he always intended to stay until 2027 - the date the contract he was offered in the summer of 2021 will expire. 

His desire to stay is quite remarkable given he has endured a difficult relationship with the club's ultras since he tried to return to Barcelona just two years into his PSG stay. 

The sight of banners protesting against Neymar as well boos and whistles when he is on the ball are regularly seen and heard at the Parc des Princes.

His poor relationship with the PSG fans, team-mate Kylian Mbappe and his continued struggle with injuries are perhaps reasons why PSG are keen to offload him.