There always tends to be one saga that dominates the summer transfer window across Europe, and this year Neymar has been the protagonist – just as he was when he swapped Barcelona for PSG in 2017.

The Brazil international now implicitly acknowledges that he made a mistake in making that move for a world-record fee, but with just six days remaining before the continental market closes for business, his desire to depart the Parc des Princes may not be fulfilled.

Juventus were briefly linked, but the fight for Neymar’s signature is now between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The former have already had three offers rejected, the latest being a loan proposal with an obligation to purchase the forward outright next summer.

Madrid, meanwhile, remain conflicted: according to the latest reports, president Florentino Perez is much keener on a deal for Neymar than manager Zinedine Zidane, who remains wary.

The clock is ticking for both La Liga sides, who have so far struggled to produce an offer considered agreeable by PSG.

Having shelled out £198m for Neymar two years ago, the French giants are understandably looking to avoid making a loss on a player who most of the club’s fans want to leave.

However, neither Barcelona nor Madrid has the finances to pay such a sum in cash alone, which is why both are exploring more inventive possibilities – such as Barca’s loan bid or Madrid’s attempt to send some of their out-of-favour players to Paris.

With the window due to close on Monday, it is becoming increasingly difficult to envisage either of the Clasico rivals prising Neymar away from PSG – a development which is reflected in the odds changes in recent days.

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Neymar Latest Transfer Odds

With Betfair, He’s currently 5/4 (+125) to stay at PSG, a more likely outcome than a move to the Bernabeu at 6/4 (+150). Barcelona, meanwhile, appear to be winning the race at even-money (+100).

Moreover, stories emanating from France suggest that the 27-year-old has to an extent patched up his relationship with sporting director Leonardo, with Neymar now open to spending one final campaign in the French capital before departing.

It is interesting to consider what might happen in the interim should that be the case.

Neymar has not lived up to expectations since moving to PSG, but he has also been a victim of bad luck; in two seasons he has played only one knockout match in the Champions League, the specific games he was bought to influence.

With something to prove in 2019/20, could Neymar embark on a remarkable reconciliation journey and fire PSG to glory in Europe? They’re fifth favourites in the Champions League outright betting with William Hill giving them a 9/1 (+900) chance.

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: it will not be dull.

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