Manchester City are considering a shock summer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, reports Spanish outlet Fichajes.
Neymar, 30, was a part of the Paris Saint-Germain side that was dumped out of the Champions League in spectacular fashion by Real Madrid earlier this month, meaning the Les Parisians’ hunt for the elusive European crown goes on. And the blame seems to have fallen on him and Lionel Messi, who were on the end of jeers and fan protests during PSG’s 3-0 home win over Bordeaux in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
The Brazilian international has endured another injury-hit campaign in the French capital, managing just five goals in 20 matches so far. His performance in PSG’s shock collapse against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu was not good enough and may prove to be the final nail in his coffin.
Fichajes reports the PSG hierarchy are thinking of making radical changes to their squad following their exit from the Champions League. And Neymar could become one of the victims of their overhaul in the summer, with the Ligue 1 heavyweights eyeing top players like Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Paqueta.
Manchester City are one of three clubs to have shown an interest in signing the Brazilian international. Cash-rich Newcastle United want to start their revolution next season by acquiring Neymar’s services, while Barcelona are considering the prospect of re-signing him, the report adds.
Man City are understood to be closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s goal-machine Erling Haaland, but Fichajes further states that manager Pep Guardiola admires Neymar’s talent and feels the 30-year-old can become a star at the Etihad Stadium, given the uncertain futures of some players.
Raheem Sterling has a contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2023 but his future has been plunged into doubt following his reluctance to pen down a new deal, while Gabriel Jesus continues to be overlooked despite being fit of late.
If both Sterling and Jesus depart at the end of the season, a big-money move for Neymar would make sense for the Sky Blues.