Speculation has suggested that Paris Saint-Germain and Neymar could part ways this summer, following another injury-plagued season for the world’s most expensive footballer.
Neymar was signed in a record-breaking £198m deal from Barcelona in 2017, but despite a prolific goal record in France has struggled to retain his fitness for much of his time at the Parc des Princes.
The Brazil international has failed to start more than 22 league games in any of his five seasons and there are suggestions that PSG could allow the 30-year-old to leave should a suitable offer arrive.
So for those of you who like to follow the odds on the best Betting sites, we’ve decided to look at the bookmakers five favourites to sign Neymar.
Manchester United – 16/1
Manchester United are priced at odds of 16/1 to sign Neymar this summer as Erik ten Hag attempts to overhaul a struggling side at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign in terms of points total last season and are in need of both direction and quality ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Neymar’s now only 3 goals away from Pelé’s all-time record for Brazil and yet he never gets the love. Neymar isn’t overrated, he’s overhated. (THREAD) pic.twitter.com/3JHOf7R6XR
— COPA90 (@Copa90) June 13, 2022
The arrival of Neymar – who has scored 100 goals in 144 appearances for PSG – would certainly represent a statement of intent, though the expensive signing of an injury-prone player over the age of 30 is far from the recruitment model the new boss will be looking to implement for his rebuild.
Real Madrid – 14/1
Could Real Madrid make another move for a PSG superstar?
Kylian Mbappe had been expected to swap Paris for Madrid this summer, but the forward’s decision to turn down the Spaniard’s advances and sign a new deal has upset the Bernabeu board.
With cash in reserve following Mbappe’s snub, the European champions could view Neymar as a viable alternative as the club look to ease the goalscoring burden on Karim Benzema.
The arrival of the Brazilian would certainly cause controversy given his previous allegiances to Barcelona, but there has been no shortage of star names to cross the divide with Michael Laudrup, Luis Figo and Ronaldo Nazario among the most notable.
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Newcastle – 14/1
Newcastle have been named as potential suitors for Neymar as the club’s ambitious new ownership look to make a statement, with the Magpies among a select group of clubs capable of financing such a deal.
The signing of Neymar would represent a risk given his injury record and the physicality of the Premier League is perhaps not suited to a footballer who has struggled to maintain his fitness.
That said, Neymar is a genuine world-class talent and huge name in the global game, the sort of signing that could rapidly accelerate Newcastle’s climb towards the elite of England and Europe.
Persuading the Brazilian to leave the French champions for English football’s 11th-place team last season might prove a challenge, however.
Perhaps Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes could give their compatriot a call…
Barcelona – 14/1
Barcelona have been regularly linked with a move to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou, with the forward having proved a huge success before his record-breaking move to PSG.
Neymar scored 105 goals in 186 games for Barcelona, winning two league titles and forming part of an iconic front three alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, one which fired the Catalans to treble success in 2014/15.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently described Neymar as an ‘exceptional player’, though the concerning finances in Catalonia mean a deal looks unaffordable without significant sales.
Barça president Laporta tells @lesportiucat on Neymar: "Who doesn't love Neymar? He's exceptional player… but all these players to return to Barça one day should come for free". ???????? #FCB
"Players who have signed for clubs like PSG, have almost signed their slavery. For money". pic.twitter.com/z3URK6AIfU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2022
A return to Barcelona could see Neymar play under former teammate Xavi, who has overseen impressive improvement with the Spanish side as he looks to guide the club through a difficult period.
Chelsea – 7/1
Chelsea are the 7/1 favourites to sign Neymar, as the west Londoners look to invest following the takeover of Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge.
Neymar previously played under Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain and has spoken of his admiration for the Chelsea boss.
Speaking to Canal+ in 2019, he said of Tuchel: “It’s a friendship but, at the same time, a huge mutual respect. I respect him as a coach but when we need to talk, we talk.
“I’ve developed a great affection towards him since the first time we spoke. When you have this great affection for your coach, you give your life on the pitch. For him I will do my best to win.”
Neymar’s arrival could add an injection of quality into a Chelsea forward line that has failed to fire, with Romelu Lukaku having disappointed since his £97.5m club record move to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner are also facing uncertain futures after underwhelming since moves to the Premier League.
Read – Five centre-backs chased by Premier League clubs this summer
Read Also – Five forwards Arsenal could target this summer
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