“What I wish most is to play with Messi again. Where would that be? It doesn’t matter, even in my position. We should try next season.”
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After Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 win against Manchester United in the Champions League, Neymar dropped a bomb with this statement. But what is really behind it? How likely is a reunion of the two superstars?
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Champions League
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08/12/2020 AM 13:12
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Neymar and Messi are definitely good old acquaintances. The two played at FC Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, then the Brazilian moved to Paris. In the four years of Barça, Neymar and Messi caused a sensation in conjunction with Luis Suárez as the “MSN” storm. In 113 games together, the trio scored 253 goals.
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The options for bringing the superstars together are not exactly numerous. Few clubs have the financial means to entertain stars of this size. The most likely option is therefore to bring Messi to Paris.
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Messi transfer probably also depends on Mbappé
The 33-year-old’s contract in Barcelona expires next summer. A transfer would therefore be omitted. The Eurosport editorial offices in Spain and France are also of the opinion that a reunification could currently only be achieved at PSG.
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Cyril Morin, football expert at Eurosport France, even thinks that Kylian Mbappé plays an important role in these plans: “Messi at PSG is only possible if Mbappé goes to Real Madrid and clears his place for Leo.”
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The advantage for PSG: The money is a little looser there than in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Paris would have to pay attention to financial fair play. Messi is currently expected to earn around 50 million euros net a year, Neymar 37 million.
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By selling Mbappé, the French would not only save his salary, allegedly 22 million euros annually, but also collect a handsome transfer fee. The market value of the world champion is around 180 million euros. Real Madrid have long been considered a top favorite to sign the world champion.
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But whether PSG wants to give up the young French at all remains questionable, emphasize their colleagues from France. Most recently, those responsible wanted to extend with Mbappé. In addition, Paris allegedly lost almost 200 million euros as a result of the Covid 19 crisis. There would be no transfer fee for Messi, but his salary and a million dollar signature bonus would still be due.
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Neymar and Kylian Mbappé together at PSG
Fotocredit: Getty Images
FC Barcelona “financially ruined”
Another option would be to bring Messi and Neymar together at FC Barcelona. The Brazilian is said to have forced a return again and again in recent years, but an agreement was never reached. Given the Catalans’ empty club coffers, this is unrealistic anyway.
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Even before the Corona crisis, Barcelona had great financial worries. The pandemic has not improved the situation. Ivan Castello, Eurosport editor in Spain, sums it up drastically: “Barcelona are currently financially ruined.”
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Messi doesn’t seem to be averse to saying goodbye to his club of hearts. The Argentine wanted to change in the summer of 2020, a dispute over a contractual clause prevented this. But does Messi even want to go to France?
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According to information from Eurosport Spain, the superstar is still toying with a move to Manchester City and ex-coach Pep Guardiola. The English league is also more attractive in terms of sport than Ligue 1. Allegedly, City is already preparing a gigantic campaign. It should be a salary offer of 100 million euros and a bonus of 250 million euros.
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So whether Neymar’s heart’s desire will come true remains questionable for the time being.
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You might also be interested in: Pirlo on Messi: “Probably has a psychological problem”
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