Source: French Football Weekly
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:48:01
It’s the bomb this Monday. According to The Team, Neymar would have signified his desire to leave PSG to its leaders, starting this summer. An earthquake that could have been predictable in previous years but which is a little more surprising this Monday. Indeed, appreciated by Luis Enrique and while a departure of Kylian Mbappé is more than envisaged, the Brazilian was once again at the heart of the Parisian project. However, the demonstration of some PSG supporters in front of his home in Bougival only revived his desire to leave which seemed buried in him for a long time. And while he aspires to discover new horizons in the coming weeks, what are the exit doors available to, or could eventually have, the Santos defector?
Other things than Neymar’s departure wishes could be unearthed in the coming weeks. Indeed, since his arrival at the Porte de Saint-Cloud in 2017, rumors about a possible return to FC Barcelona are legion every summer. While this summer transfer window seemed to be exempt from these many rumors of the Catalan press, this news should put a coin in the distributor. It remains to be seen whether the long-standing interest in a Neymar return will materialize this summer. As we relayed to you on Monday, his case divides within the Catalan club. While he has many internal supporters, “Ney” would not be unanimous in the eyes of Xavi, the culé technician. A follower of 4-3-3, his former teammate does not imagine him settling as a left winger, especially since he no longer has the same physical skills as during his first stint at Camp Nou.
Nevertheless, a return to Barcelona is a credible possibility, especially since Ousmane Dembélé will join Paris despite the reluctance displayed, but also the sticks in the wheels put by the Barça staff. Even if Xavi has a significant weight, will Joan Laporta take care to consult with his coach to play a nasty trick on the team on which he has declared war? Not sure. A return elsewhere in Spain seems much more absurd. However, when the name of FC Barcelona is around, that of Real Madrid is rarely far away. While no rumors have gone in this direction in recent weeks, André Cury had suggested that the Madrid club had never lost sight of Neymar in an interview with AS SATURDAY. In the same interview, the influential Brazilian agent had also declared that Neymar regretted his departure to PSG. With this transfer request, his revelation makes sense but could become almost prophetic if the 31-year-old joins the Merengues to everyone’s surprise.
The two La Liga cadors are not the only interesting high-level destinations for Neymar. Indeed, while he has never played a Premier League game so far in his career, seeing the Auriverde international on the other side of the Channel is both an intriguing and exciting idea. Having all the qualities to win in a competitive England team, he could nevertheless suffer physically as he has often suffered from the often rough treatment of many Ligue 1 defenders towards him. In addition, several prestigious teams across the Channel have already shown an interest in the native of Mogi das Cruzes. Indeed, as we revealed to you exclusively since April, Manchester United came to the information for the Brazilian virtuoso.
The Red Devils, qualified in the Champions League for the coming season, could represent an alluring challenge for Neymar. Indeed, leading the residents of Old Trafford to a title would be a small feat, as this historic club is behind Arsenal and Manchester City, who will play the leading roles this season. Moreover, being the image of Qatar via PSG, Neymar could see a transfer to the north of England being favored if the Mancunians also switch to the Qatari flag. Nevertheless, other English teams have been watching the former Barcelona man’s situation for many months. Indeed, the English press has also reported strong interest from Newcastle and Chelsea in recent months. Return under the orders of Mauricio Pochettino to bring Chelsea back to the top or be THE star of the ambitious Magpies project? The PSG player could be spoiled for choice if he were to cross the Channel.
But now, a country is dynamiting the summer transfer window this season. And while every big name in football is welcome in Saudi Arabia, an arrival of Neymar is necessarily in line with the philosophy displayed by the Gulf country. While he can legitimately be considered the third best player of the last decade, even despite his checkered spell in Paris, Neymar would be a prestigious arrival for the Saudis. As we reported to you exclusively yesterday, (integrate info pap Dahbia AS Ney).
New Eldorado of world football, the Saudi Pro League would allow Neymar to play football without pressure and being safe from criticism. Even if the competitiveness of the championship is constantly improving, the pressure that would be put on his shoulders on the other side of the world will certainly have nothing to do with a departure in the Premier League or a return to Barça. Everything then depends on the determination of Neymar. While he had been mysterious about a possible retirement a few months ago, the Saudi championship could represent a golden pre-retirement where he can then do what he loves most without worrying about all the hiccups of the very top level. : play soccer.