Neymar Transfer Rumors: PSG, Chelsea Meet in Paris to Discuss Potential Move
AP Photo/Daniel Cole
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al Khelaifi and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly met Wednesday to discuss the possibility of a future Neymar transfer, according to ESPN’s Julien Laurens.
Per that report, PSG wanted to secure a summer move for Neymar ahead of the 2022-23 season and “Boehly was offered the possibility to recruit Neymar last summer and sources said the American owner was tempted, but a move never materialized.”
Per that report, Neymar remains under contract through June 2027 and makes a cool $32 million each season.
There have been contradicting reports about whether a meeting to discuss Neymar actually took place, however:
Ben Jacobs @JacobsBen
Following Hakim Ziyech’s failed loan move due to late paperwork in January, PSG-Chelsea relations are at a low point. There is no indication PSG have or will engage with #CFC and I am told that no Neymar transfer talk has occurred.
Despite the startling talent PSG boast—namely a front three featuring Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé—the Parisians have continued to fall short in the Champions League and risk an early exit at the hands of Bayern Munich after Tuesday’s 1-0 first-leg loss in the round of 16.
That trio isn’t cheap, and with reports that Messi had agreed to a deal in principle to extend his contract with PSG—albeit an agreement that has yet to be finalized, with L’Équipe (h/t Get Football) reporting that Messi is “increasingly uncertain” about staying at PSG, so stay tuned—it’s possible PSG is looking to reduce some of its massive wage bill.
Neymar’s talent is unmistakable. The 31-year-old has notched 12 goals and 10 assists in 19 Ligue 1 matches this year, adding two goals and three assists in six Champions League starts. But injury issues and questions about the fit between Neymar, Messi and Mbappé have also been storylines during his PSG tenure.
Chelsea isn’t devoid of questions over personnel fit either, with besieged manager Graham Potter trying to figure out Chelsea’s best starting 11 after a shocking transfer spree by Boehly in the January window.
Chelsea isn’t exactly lacking for talents on the wing. But Neymar is Neymar, and if PSG is indeed looking for a divorce with the Brazilian superstar, Chelsea has proved under Boehly to be the type of spenders to make such a splash.
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