Transfer Talk: Premier League giants on alert with Neymar eyeing exit

Sean Wilson
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Neymar looks set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer
Neymar looks set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer

Neymar's time at Paris Saint-Germain looks to be coming to an end. 

The Brazilian has fallen out of favour in the French capital with Les Parisiens reportedly keen to offload him this summer. 

PSG's No10 will not be short of suitors as some of Europe's top clubs consider making a move for the Selecao star. 

We take a look at where Neymar could end up and what he will bring to the side that secures his signature.

Balancing act

Following Neymar's season-ending injury in February, former PSG head coach Christophe Galtier admitted that his side were more balanced without the Brazilian — but insisted the player's quality more than made up for that. 

He said: "Look at [Neymar's] goals and assists this season. When I read that [his injury] could be a good thing for us — no.

"Is the team better balanced? Yes. But is it better like that? Having Neymar in the squad is an additional asset for us to score goals." 

With a new manager set to replace Galtier in the dugout next season, he may not share the French tactican's opinion.

Neymar's season was ended prematurely by injury
Neymar's season was ended prematurely by injury

Fox in the box

Neymar's season may have been cut short by injury but he still managed to make his mark — scoring 13 times and assisting 11 goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances. 

No player in the division made more goal contributions than the 31-year-old's 1.39 per 90, while his 0.64 assists per 90 also ranked top of the league. 

Flicks and tricks

Neymar's reputation as a flamboyant dribbler is well established, so it should come as no surprise that he won more fouls per 90 (3.77) than any player in France's top flight last season. 

His ability to earn free-kicks in dangerous areas is particularly useful. The Sao Paulo native was the most fouled player in the final third per 90 (1.04) in Ligue 1 this term. 

Injuries have hampered Neymar in recent seasons and the aggression that his dynamic dribbling draws may be a factor in that.

Neymar scored 13 Ligue 1 goals in 20 appearances this season
Neymar scored 13 Ligue 1 goals in 20 appearances this season

Barcelona comeback ruled out

Following the news that Barcelona missed out on a reunion with Miami-bound Lionel Messi, speculation emerged linking Neymar with a return to Catalonia. 

However, Blaugrana boss Xavi has ruled out a comeback. 

He said: "I was surprised by everything that [has been] said about Neymar. 

"[A move for him is] not planned. I appreciate [him] very much but there are other priorities that we have established."

Neymar remains an elite forward, boasting impressive goalscoring, creative and dribbling numbers
Neymar remains an elite forward, boasting impressive goalscoring, creative and dribbling numbers

Maybe Manchester United?

Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Neymar — and are one of the few clubs in world football who could afford him, particularly following their return to the Champions League. 

But manager Erik ten Hag was non-committal when asked about signing the 5ft 9in attacker, despite not ruling out a move. 

He said: "When there is news, we will tell you." 

The Red Devils may need to act more quickly than expected if they are interested, with rumours that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal could enter the fray and offer the 124-cap superstar an eye-watering annual salary of up to £170million.

Tags

NeymarLigue 1Paris Saint-GermainPremier League