If reports are to be believed, Paris Saint Germain’s headline act Neymar is considering giving up on a sensational return to Catalan giants Barcelona and instead pursuing a move to the Premier League with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United.
The Neymar transfer saga rumbled on throughout the entirety of the summer window, but ground to a halt – or at least was unable to be pushed over the line – after the two mega-clubs were unable to agree on mutually satisfactory terms. Swap deals involving Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti and Philipe Coutinho were all posited, but the French club did not feel any deal tabled was sufficiently alluring for them to let go of their prized asset.
Given that Neymar was signed just two summers ago for a staggering fee which more than doubled the previous world record, Manchester United would need to invest a sizable chunk of their admittedly extraordinary wealth if they were to land the bombastic Brazilian – a bid in excess of £250-million, probably.
The Red Devils spent £143-million over the summer in order to repair a lackluster defence. Their forward line, however, still looks in dire need of revitalising. Neymar’s detractors have questioned whether the famously dive-happy 27-year-old would be able to adapt to the aggressive nature of English football, but his raw talent alone would surely improve any front three in world football.
However, whether Ed Woodward and co. are willing to stump the cash for Neymar’s mammoth wages (believed to be in the region of £32-million per year) remains to be seen.
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