We did everything possible to sign Neymar- Josep Maria Bartomeu

The Barcelona president also denied the allegations that the pursuit of the Brazilian was based on Messi's requests.

Barcelona and Neymar couldn't reunite despite both the parties wanted to. The Catalans failed to match the PSG player's valuation after speculations claiming multiple failed bids from the Blaugrana for the Brazilian.

While PSG were ready to sell, they were only to do when they get most of what they paid Barcelona for the Brazilian. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu explained the reasons why they couldn't bring back Neymar.

He also said that no further attempts would be made this season for Neymar in January transfer window.

"He's not in the plans for January," Bartomeu told the Catalan press about Barcelona's chances of signing Neymar in the January window.

"Barcelona couldn't meet PSG's demands [this summer]. Barcelona never offered players for Neymar, it was PSG that asked for them. We did everything possible to sign him."

"It's a fact that Neymar asked PSG to negotiate only with Barcelona. The signing wasn't easy, on an economic or social level."

"[Lionel] Messi didn't tell me to sign Neymar, that's a myth. The players don't have a say in signings, it's the sporting department, technical department and the directors who decide. This year we prepared the squad very quickly."

"It's a more competitive squad than last season, it's smaller, 21 players, but very competitive. And Ernesto Valverde knows the concept very well."

The president also gave an insight into what the club financial situations are amidst the speculations that they have fallen under huge debts. The main revelation was the finances behind the mega-money move of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona.

The French forward after refusing to join last summer and extending his contract, finally decided to do exactly the opposite and joined the La Liga defending champions to form a fearsome strike partnership with Luis Suarez.

The move saw Barcelona pay Antoine Griezmann's reduced release clause of €120m.

"His release clause was paid with a bridge loan of €60m and subtracting payments that other clubs owed us," Bartomeu said.

The president also gave an update regarding the redevelopment of the Camp Nou.

"The demolishment of the Miniestadi will start in the next few days," Bartomeu continued.

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"Then we'll have something to commemorate it on September 24.

"The remodelling of the Camp Nou will start next summer and will finish in 2024."