With no apparent bust-ups at the Nou Camp between Neymar, the manager and the other two thirds of ‘MSN’ there seems to be no compelling reason as to why Neymar would leave The Catalans.
However, each season there is a number of confident rumours suggesting he will leave for new ventures – possibly because he wants to be the key man at a giant club, rather than living in Messi’s shadow? If Barcelona miss out on the league this season, and with them already out of Europe’s finest competition, could we see him leave this summer? Only a number of clubs could attract him, so, let’s look at his options.
Chelsea
Under new boss Antonio Conte there is bound to be some heavy spending this summer at Stamford Bridge with the unexpected poor season behind them. There is delusion amongst fans and staff about the state of their attack – Hazard hasn’t been fulfilling his potential and Costa is rumoured to be let go after too many backroom bust-ups. Chelsea certainly have the money to purchase Neymar but would he suit the club? Chelsea are no stranger to controversial characters which Neymar can be at times with his fiery temper, however the style of play isn’t exactly as exciting as Barcelona over thre.
PSG
PSG have not been afraid to splash the cash recently and are in a similar predicament to Chelsea this summer. Ibrahimović is set to leave, possibly with a move to his long awaited destination – the Premier League. They won Ligue 1 comfortably this year however they’re still waiting to finally conquer the coveted Champions League and Neymar could be the key to give them that extra edge needed to do it. Neymar would certainly be paid well enough at PSG however the prospect of low quality weekly domestic football may not be enough of a draw.
Manchester City
With Pep Guardiola in charge this summer there will definitely be some shake ups in City’s squad. He will be bringing players of the upmost quality along who possess supreme technical ability. Neymar fits the bill for Pep and both parties will have been disappointed in not being able to work together in Neymar’s first season (Pep left Barcelona to take his sabbatical). There’s no doubting City have the money and the ambition – this could be seen as a red hot opportunity for them if Neymar’s services become available.