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SOC: Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain?

Staff Writer

Rumors have once again surrounded Barcelona star, Neymar, linking him with none other than Paris Saint-Germain. During last summer’s transfer window, a few teams showed interest in signing the Brazilian, including PSG. Eventually, the interest on both sides fell through and nothing came of it as Neymar decided to stay one more year. This year, however, things seem to be different as the French powerhouse have stated they want to pay Neymar’s nearly €220 million release clause. If this move does happen, here is how I believe PSG and Barcelona’s seasons could unfold.


PSG: Having lost the Swedish striker Ibrahimovic to Manchester United, the French team seemed to be unaffected. They two of the three competitions held in France, the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue, however they fell short in the French league coming in second to Monaco who were eight points clear of the Parisian team, and in the Champions League where they blew the 4-0 lead they acquired at home against Barcelona. They went on to lose 6-1 in Spain bringing the aggregate score to 6-5 and were eliminated in the Round of 16 and was left out of the Champions League once again.

The addition of Neymar is an interesting move because PSG don’t struggle on the offensive side. In fact, their star forward Edinson Cavani had an impressive 49 goals on the season. Neymar could add another 20 goals or so, but they aren’t in desperate need of them. PSG has struggled in their midfield, often being outclassed by opposing team’s midfield. With Barcelona showing interest in PSG’s Marco Verrati, who started in 39 games, the French side’s midfield could be left without an important piece.


Barcelona: Although Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has insisted Neymar will stay with the Blaugrana, they have already shown interest in possible replacements for Neymar. One of these players is Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho. Should Barca secure the deal with Liverpool, he could end up playing one of two roles. Andres Iniesta is currently 33-years-old, but it could be sooner rather than later that Coutinho becomes his eventual replacement, in the case that Neymar stays with Barcelona. If Neymar were to leave, Coutinho could be used as his replacement on the left wing where he likes to play. Alternatively, Barca has shown interest in PSG midfielder Marco Verrati who could provide some great minutes subbing in and occasional start.

The loss of such a fantastic player in Neymar could be devastating. Their Spanish rival Real Madrid has only been improving. With their continued dominance of Europe, with back to back UEFA Champions League championships, they have been linked the young Monaco star, Kylian Mbappe, who could further the gap between the two Spanish teams. It could prove very difficult for Barcelona to keep up with Real Madrid in the Champions League and the Spanish national league, La Liga.


Neymar’s future will be unveiled within the next couple weeks and although he has 4 years left on his contract, it is very likely he could be relocating to Paris before the summer is over. The move would make Neymar the highest paid footballer at €500,000 per week and a €156 million contract and would shatter Manchester United’s £89 million purchase of Paul Pogba. All Barcelona can do is hope Neymar chooses to stay.


Photo Credit: Barca Blaugranes.

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