July 18, 2022, 9:11 AM
July 18, 2022, 9:11 AM
Will he go or won’t he go? Neymar’s future fuels speculation since the end of the ostentation decreed at Paris SG. Waiting to see his situation clarified from him, the Brazilian star acts as if nothing happened, although he must be aware of the rumors about his possible departure.
With the arrival of the duo Christophe Galtier-Luis Campos to the sports management of the French champion, the discipline was erected as a cardinal value and Neymar, with a way of life that is sometimes criticized, is known to be analyzed.
“We don’t want any more ostentation, bling-bling, It’s the end of sequins”, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had explained on June 21 in Le Parisien, in a statement that could be addressed to the former Santos and Barcelona player.
That served to fuel speculation about a transfer of the Brazilian number ten, signed at a gold price in 2017 for 222 million euros ($224 million), a record figure.
When PSG’s center of gravity has shifted to Kylian Mbappé after his extension until 2025 and Lionel Messi is untouchable, Neymar (30 years old), whose Parisian career has been marked by serious injuries, is no longer considered an indispensable asset in the eyes of the Parisian leaders.
Above all after a very disappointing season (13 goals and 8 assists in 28 games in all competitions), marked by a new disappointment in the Champions League, the elimination in the round of 16 against Real Madrid, which would take the title in the end.
In the event of a satisfactory offer, PSG are therefore willing to turn the page. But the equation is very complex and the Brazilian, who does not show a mad desire to leave Paris, is in a position of strength.
Neymar is aware of this: the clubs capable of lining up with his astronomical salary (more than 4 million euros – 4.03 million dollars- monthly) are not many. After having seen his contract renewed until 2025 in 2021, the player himself activated two clauses that allow him to stretch it for two years supplementary (2027), according to L’Equipe. And if a compatriot and former teammate at PSG, Thiago Silva, has called on him to go to Chelsea, nothing in his statement hints at his desire to leave.
Booed by PSG fans at the end of the season that just ended, Neymar did not bat an eyelid. “They’re going to get tired of whistling at me, since I’m going to stay,” he said.
– The World Cup in the spotlight –
And he kept the same tone at the end of May: “For now, nothing has reached my ears, so for my part, the truth is that I am staying.”
PSG’s new coach, Christophe Galtier, was also adamant on July 5. “Obviously I want Neymar to staysince when you have world-class players, it is better to have them with you than against you,” the coach launched.
Since his arrival in Japan on Sunday for a 10-day tour with the French club, Neymar has smiled broadly and volunteered for many marketing operations.
Nothing to do with his moody attitude in 2019 when he had accompanied the team on a summer tour in China dragging his feet, waiting for a return to FC Barcelona that did not happen.
The proximity of the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18) is an essential issue and does not encourage Neymar to change the scene. On the contrary, the Brazilian is more determined than ever to shine in what he considers to be the “last” great event of his life as a footballer.
“This season, all the shots are going to go in, the free kicks, the headers,” He recently assured in a direct on Facebook with his followers. “I feel good. I’m confident. I’ve trained a lot during my vacation,” she announced.
