Transfer News: Chelsea make Neymar contact following Raphinha snub
When one door closes, another one opens. It does seem like Raphinha is inclined towards a move to Barcelona, which if it does happen, will lead Chelsea back to the drawing board. However, the Boehly-Clearlake administration may have an exit plan in mind.
Neymar – the world’s costliest footballer of all-time, may be on his way out of Parc des Princes this summer after recent comments made by Paris St-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi reportedly irked the Brazilian superstar.
According to ESPN (h/t football.london), Neymar is considering leaving PSG this summer and his agent, Pini Zahavi is working to identify potential suitors. Given the 30-year-old’s earnings at PSG, only a select few clubs can come close to matching those numbers.
Chelsea are one of them, given that the Blues are undergoing a total revamp – both internally and on the pitch. Todd Boehly’s desire to deliver on his promise of spending big will be well realised, should Chelsea manage to sign one of the world’s most marketable football stars.
However, according to French publication L’Equipe (h/t football.london), PSG have triggered an option in Neymar’s contract to extend his deal until 2027.
That may not necessarily indicate he is staying in the French capital beyond this window, but Chelsea will most likely need to pay a hefty premium now.
Can Neymar and Chelsea co-exist?
Thomas Tuchel knows all about Neymar, having coached him for over two years during his stint as PSG boss. With Raheem Sterling expected to arrive, Neymar can be deployed as a No. 10, a role which he excels in for the Brazilian national team. His numbers speak for themselves – 100 goals and 60 assists in 144 games for PSG is remarkable to say the least, irrespective of what your opinion may be on him.
More Chelsea News
- Chelsea move attention to Matthijs de Ligt after Jules Kounde snub
- Transfer News: Neymar could potentially leave PSG this summer
- Transfer News: Chelsea preparing fresh bid for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling
He does seem like an instant solution to Chelsea’s goal-scoring woes, which is the need of the hour. However, there are a few other factors to consider, most notably – the money.
The financials that will be required to pull this deal off will be humongous. Chelsea cannot afford to disrupt their wage structure over one signing and for Neymar to make the move to Stamford Bridge, he will need to oblige to a significant pay cut on the amount he is currently earning at PSG.
