Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

Paris Saint-Germain will not take advantage of Neymar case - Kluivert

Paris Saint-Germain director of football Patrick Kluivert has told Journal du Dimanche that the club will not look to exploit Neymar's ongoing legal case in Spain.

Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence and a €10 million fine for Neymar on corruption charges because of alleged irregularities during his transfer from Brazilian club Santos to Barcelona.

Prosecutors said they are seeking the same punishment for Neymar's father and former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.

PSG have been linked with Neymar and reportedly saw a summer move scuppered because of the legal situation.

Kluivert said the situation was "a shame" and added: "Could Neymar's legal issues be an advantage to us? We are not going to try to take advantage of this issue."

Neymar had been identified by PSG as the player to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but Kluivert said: "It is nice to have a star player but the team remains the most important thing.

"So, if it is possible, I will never say no if there is a chance to sign a star but I will not force it at any cost."

Kluivert stressed that the French champions would be active in the January transfer window.

He said one move would be to identify and sign a replacement for defender David Luiz, who returned to Chelsea on deadline day in August.

"It was impossible [to replace him this summer] because he left on the last day of the window," Kluivert added. "We are searching for someone who can play there and in other roles."

The former Netherlands international also wants to strengthen in attack.

Other than in-form Edinson Cavani, PSG have only the young Jean-Kevin Augustin as a natural alternative up front, with neither Jese Rodriguez nor Hatem Ben Arfa dedicated strikers.

Kluivert wants to provide Cavani with some backup and said: "I am looking for a goal scorer. We are analysing the situation to make the best choice."

He said the club also wanted to extend the contracts of Cavani, captain Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Blaise Matuidi.

"Not only them, though," he added. "I am also thinking about [Adrien] Rabiot in particular. A young talent such as Adrien, like Marquinhos, embodies the future of this club. They are extremely important figures in our project."

But he said PSG midfielder Thiago Motta may not be staying, adding: "It is his decision. It must be respected. We are already looking at his successor."

^ Back to Top ^