Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar has named four Premier League clubs he would be interested in should the Brazilian’s expected exit from the Parc des Princes materialize this summer.
The 31-year-old is looking to leave the reigning Ligue 1 champions this summer after being targeted by sections of their fanbase who went so far as to protest outside the striker’s house.
Although PSG look set to win another league title at the end of the season, Christophe Galtier’s side will stumble towards the Championship after disappointing for their usual standards in the French top flight.
Moreover, the Parisian side will go another year without their much-sought Champions League after being knocked out by Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. They were also beaten 3-1 by Marseille in the French Cup round of 16 in February.
Neymar’s longtime teammate Lionel Messi is almost certainly expected to leave France this summer when his contract expires and the Brazilian now looks set to follow suit.
The 31-year-old previously insisted he was happy in Paris but, according to Le Parisien, the winger has changed his mind and will now look to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.
Many Premier League clubs have been linked with Neymar in the past with more recent clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
However, the Brazilian has publicly stated that a move to England will tempt him, but only if a handful of selected clubs approach.
“The Premier League is a league that amazes me,” the forward told Barcelona. “”I like the style of play and the teams. And who knows? One day, I would like to play it, yes. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool – these are the teams that are always there to fight.
With 18 goals and 17 assists in 29 appearances for the Parisians this season, Neymar’s campaign is far from disappointing on a personal level and all European clubs will be well aware of the Brazilian’s abilities.
The world record €220million that saw the striker join PSG from Barcelona in 2017 remains the current record, but with Neymar now 31 and having just two years left on his current contract, a transfer out of Paris would not cost close to this figure.
A move to one of the aforementioned quartets of Premier League clubs would no doubt improve everyone, although it currently looks like only Arsenal and Manchester United will make the Champions League next season, a factor that will certainly be a decoy for Neymar.
As for Chelsea, the Brazilian would reunite with former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, who looks set to take over at Stamford Bridge, while Liverpool could opt against a move with an aging squad, one of their main issues to resolve this summer.
There is certainly potential for Neymar’s exit from Paris to be one of the transfer sagas of the upcoming summer transfer window.
