Just when one thought the transfer window couldn’t get any crazier, Neymar is on crazier, Neymar is on the brink of completing a £196 million move to Paris Saint Germain.
And that’s before you consider the eyewatering wages the Ligue 1 giants will pay for his services. Even after taxes, the 25-year-old is said to earn more than even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
That being said, it is for those very financial reasons that the Parisians have emerged as the sole suitors for the Barcelona star. Since day one, it seems it was either a question of the Parc des Princes or remaining at the Nou Camp.
That is, of course, in spite of the Brazilian’s complicated history with the Premier League. It’s no secret that Manchester United have been interested in his signature for the last few years.
Moreover, Sky Sports’ Bryan Swanson has confirmed that United were ‘close’ to a world record deal for the Samba star last year.
Fears he was playing-up for a new contract, according to The Independent, were all that stopped them from sanctioning another bid this summer too.
However, with the 25-year-old having agreed a five-year deal with Ligue 1 giants, Premier League fans will have to say goodbye to their hopes of seeing Neymar on English shores. Though, the Red Devils aren’t the only team letting the side down.
West Ham United came even closer than their League rivals when it comes to capturing Neymar and yes, the report was truth. Avram Grant’s side then launched a bid for the Barcelona star back in 2010.
According to the Mirror, the club launched a £12 million for the then 18-year-old star but saw their approach rejected by Santos.
The Brazilian club were requesting for their asking price and release clause of £28.4 million. The Hammers were unwilling to raise their bid and the convenience of hindsight renders it a decision dogged by regret.
His release clause would have seemed weighty for a relatively unknown 18-year-old but stands at a mere seventh of the fee PSG are about to shed. Then again, the thought of Neymar progressing to stardom under Avram Grant is certainly an interesting one.
But, as the case would have been if he had left in 2010, Neymar faces great pressure to perform upon his impending move. For all his achievements already, he has a dizzying price tag on his back and Ballon d’Or hopes to tackle.
Meanwhile, the Hammers can at least delight in their bargain capture of Javier Hernandez this summer. Just think, though: Neymar and Andy Carroll up top – the stuff of dreams.
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