The latest transfer rumors have Neymar linked with a shock move to Real Madrid. The Brazilian, once a beloved attacker at Barcelona, could lineup for the Blaugrana’s bitter rival in another world-record transfer – he currently holds the record as being the most expensive player.
Los Blancos, struggling to maintain top form in La Liga and the Champions League, is exploring options in attack for the upcoming summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Selecao ace is reportedly in the mix. Here is everything you need to know about the Neymar-to-Real-Madrid rumors.
Why does Neymar want out of PSG?
The Brazilian is reportedly unhappy in the French capital. Although he has dazzled in Ligue 1 so far, rumored rifts with team-mate Edinson Cavani and manager Unai Emery have him linked with an early exit.
Furthermore, there are claims that Neymar hasn’t mixed well with his current team-mates and is already missing Barcelona. He has returned twice to Camp Nou since leaving and reportedly confided in a few players that he regrets leaving the Blaugrana for Les Parisiens.
Will PSG sell?
If we lived in a lawless world, the answer would be a straight “no”, but FFP regulations have PSG’s hands tied. Spending $263m in transfer fees alone on a single player means a club must sell several others in order to balance the books, something the French side failed to do.
If FFP fines and suspensions become a real threat for PSG, they will be forced to report a massive earning in order to avoid punishment. Selling Neymar would be the easiest way to do so.
How much will Real Madrid have to pay?
In short, a lot of money. Marca reports that the former Santos ace could cost the Champions League holder roughly $524m in fees and salary. However, Don Balon claims Florentino Perez is willing to offer Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos in a players-plus-cash deal to bring down the transfer fee.
How could Los Blancos line up with the Brazilian?
If the deal goes through – and that is a huge if – Real Madrid could have a new-look attack. Bale would have already been offered to Les Parisiens and an underperforming Benzema would either be sold or fall down the pecking order.
Harry Kane has reportedly informed Tottenham of his desire to move to Santiago Bernabeu. If the Englishman gets his dream transfer, he and Neymar would be definite starters, alongside either Cristiano or Asensio – depending on whether Ronaldo stays in Madrid past the current season.
If Zidane fails to land the Spurs ace, he will likely hold onto the four-time Ballon d’Or winner as the 32-year-old is still a proven goalscorer. Asensio, should he continue his meteoric rise, would be the third man in the attacking trio, alongside the Portuguese and Brazilian aces.
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