Ed's Column: How Can PSG Get Rid of Neymar?
What started out as a dream signing for Paris Saint-Germain has now turned into a nightmare of a situation.
In Neymar Jr.’s last appearance for Paris Saint-Germain this season, he showed what makes him one of the best players on the planet, but also why PSG must sell him this summer.
On February 19, PSG hosted Lille OSC at the Parc des Princes in one of the more highly-anticipated Ligue 1 fixtures. In that match, Neymar assisted Mbappé for the first goal and then capped off a move himself for his 13th Ligue 1 goal of the season. Shortly after halftime, though, an all too familiar scene would unfold.
In the 48th minute, Neymar collapsed to the pitch in pain after a rough challenge from Benjamin André. It was his ankle. The PSG superstar had rolled his ankle once again, and it was clear that he wouldn’t be able to finish the match.
Neymar’s ankles are almost as famous as his dribbling ability. He suffered a similar injury at the FIFA World Cup in the group stage just a few months prior but was able to recover in time for the knockout stage.
Since PSG paid a world-record fee for Neymar in 2017, the former FC Barcelona man has suffered a foot/ankle injury in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023, and nearly every injury coming during the second half of the season as PSG prepared for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League.
The latest injury, suffered against Lille, has forced Neymar into season-ending surgery to repair the ligaments and hopefully prevent future injuries.
That brings us to the current situation. There are no guarantees that Neymar’s ankle will ever be strong enough to make it through an entire season, especially one in a very physical French league where the 31-year-old is rarely protected by officials. He’s also one of the highest earners in the squad with a contract that expires in 2025, with a player option for an additional year. So, what should PSG do?
According to reports, PSG would like to sell Neymar sooner rather than later, and how could you blame them? They’ve paid Neymar a lot of money to deliver a Champions League title, and the closest he’s brought them is the final during the 2019-20 campaign. Keep in mind that was the season marred by COVID, and the knockout stage of the tournament was reduced to one game. It was also the year where PSG received its most favorable draw since he arrived in 2017. Not to take anything away from the accomplishment, but facts are facts.
So, who would want an injury-prone player on enormous wages who is capable of flashes of brilliance? Unfortunately for PSG, the list is very short.
Manchester United
I don’t think the Premier League would be Neymar’s first option when looking for a post-PSG home, but he may not have a choice. There are very few clubs that can afford his wages and offer him Champions League football. Manchester United is one of those clubs, but there’s also another wrinkle that could lead Neymar to Old Trafford. Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has put in a bid to buy Manchester United, and if the deal goes through, I could envision perhaps a loan deal between the two Qatari-owned clubs. There’s also a decent contingency of Brazilian players at United who would undoubtedly approve of the signing, including Fred, Casemiro, and Antony.
Chelsea FC
PSG needs to find a club that is somewhat as poorly run as they are to agree to sign Neymar, and Chelsea just might be that club. Todd Boehly and his group recently took over at Chelsea and wasted no time splashing the cash during the January transfer window. I could see Boehly wanting to sign Neymar to help boost Chelsea’s profile in the United States even beyond what it already is. Can you say summer tour in America with Neymar leading the parade? Sounds like something Boehly would be into. Chelsea still has work to do if they hope to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but if they do, Neymar to Stamford Bridge could be in play.
Newcastle United FC
I would almost feel bad for Neymar if he went to Newcastle just because of the weather alone, but they certainly have the money to afford Neymar. With ties to Saudi Arabia, the consortium that took over Newcastle in 2021 has more wealth than all of the other Premier League owners combined. Somewhat surprisingly, the club has spent wisely and has been a club that went from the doldrums of the Premier League to within shouting distance of a top-four finish. The ownership groups (Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia) might make this a difficult deal to pull off, but I wouldn’t write it off completely.
Barcelona
There is a .00001 percent chance Neymar goes back to Barcelona. The club simply doesn’t have the financial means to pay a transfer fee and Neymar’s wages. The only way a Neymar return happens is if PSG decides to loan him to Barcelona and pay his entire salary. That’s not happening.
AC Milan
Italy is an interesting option for Neymar. Milan is a posh city where I think he would enjoy living, and I think he could find some success in the league. They’re on the cusp of a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League, and they’re having a solid showing in this year’s tournament. They’ve also proven that they’re fine with signing aging superstars with a history of injuries, even those who played at PSG. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 41 years old and still collecting a check from the Rossoneri. A straight transfer fee or loan deal feels like something that could be worked out between the two clubs, especially if Milan loses Rafael Leão to another club this summer.
Major League Soccer
Is it too early for Neymar to think about retiring to America and joining an MLS team? Probably. But, perhaps the cauldron of European soccer is too much for him at this point in his career. Constantly being the subject of media bias and criticism can be draining on a player. He’s unlikely to play a pivotal role for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup, so why not come to America—which is one of the three host nations—establish yourself in MLS, and be an ambassador for the world’s game? Lionel Messi, one of his best friends, will almost certainly be coming to MLS once his PSG contract expires this summer, so why not come and join him at Inter Miami? I could also see Neymar at LAFC, LA Galaxy, or New York City FC, which are owned by the City Football Group and have the means to afford his wages.
Free agent
Ultimately, whether or not Neymar leaves Paris Saint-Germain could come down to the club’s willingness to buy out his contract. If no suitable offer arrives for Neymar, and PSG determines there is no way to move forward with the player, they could essentially pay him to go away. It would be a sad end to what was such a promising transfer nearly six years ago, but what other choice does PSG have? Neymar is 31, coming off major ankle surgery, and earning an enormous wage. By paying Neymar to leave, he would be free to sign with any club that wants him. He could return to Brazil and play for Santos, or, join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Professional League.