What if Neymar returns to the heart of the game in Paris? Since his arrival in 2017, it’s je t’aime moi non plus between the 31-year-old Brazilian and PSG. Between his injuries, his not always professional behavior and his taste for provocation, “Ney” has not only made friends in the capital, whether among supporters or even leaders. It was already rumored last summer that PSG would not have been against a transfer from the former Barça star. And this year again? We have said it in recent weeks. It was also said that the person concerned would have nothing against the idea of a change of scenery. Above all, we have said everything and its opposite about him or about the intentions of the club. And the Mbappé file adds to this great vagueness.
Under contract until 2024, the crack of Bondy still refuses to re-enlist, which puts Paris Saint-Germain in a delicate position and has the gift of irritating the management to the highest degree. Without specifically mentioning the Neymar case, a source close to the club summarizes things by saying that the choice of the French will have consequences for everyone. In the meantime, it is urgent to wait. If Kylian Mbappé were to leave this summer, who would lead the left side of the attack? Perhaps Neymar, who remains one of the best players in the world whatever we think of him, his attitude, his escapades. The world’s most expensive man (€222m) still scored 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances for PSG, and his first six months last season were arguably his best on the league. banks of the Seine. Since then, there has been the World Cup, this ankle blow against Serbia, a difficult return to earth at the start of 2023 and a new sprain on February 20. End of season, and new operation in March.
“Neymar Jr has had several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years. The PSG medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All of the experts consulted have confirmed this need”, explained the club at the time, in a press release, referring to “a period of three to four months” before seeing number 10 Auriverde in training. Monday, he was present at the recovery. According to the indiscretions of L’Equipe, he “did not force on the area of his injury but was able to participate in the activities of the day”.
The sports daily, however, was not reassuring about a quick return to competition. “The tests carried out on Monday raised some doubts about its ability to be operational quickly,” we slip. Several sources, including France Info, nevertheless ensure that the former nugget of Santos is “on time” compared to the roadmap. On time, but with a “hoped-for return to competition in September”. Remember that the club with 11 French championship titles already has three Ligue 1 matches on the program in August (Lorient, Toulouse, Lens), before a big month of September in the league and in C1 (Lyon, Nice, OM and first day group stage of the Champions League).
In view of its history, we imagine in any case that no one will push “Ney” to speed up the process or to anticipate the call in order to be operational from the start of the season, and even less for the friendly matches. Remember that the Parisian internationals, including Mbappé, are expected in Poissy next Monday. Friday July 21, first trial gallop behind closed doors against Le Havre (L2), at the PSG Campus, before the big departure for Japan on the 22nd, with three matches on the menu (Al-Nassr, Cerezo Osaka, Inter Milan). According to South Korean sources, there will also be a stop in the Land of Morning Calm with a duel against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC on August 3 in Busan.
In the event of Mbappé’s departure, which is anything but official since the club with 11 French championship titles still hopes to extend it, PSG will aim to set up a project more oriented towards the collective than has been the case in recent years. years. Neymar will therefore never regain the privileges that were his at the start of his Parisian adventure. Could he still become central again in Luis Enrique’s ‘attacking’ game? “I haven’t spoken to Neymar yet. That’s the kind of thing I’d love to tell you, but it’s inside information. I have to talk to the players first”, had eluded the Spanish technician, last week, during his first press conference as PSG coach. He will have the opportunity to chat with the Brazilian this week in Poissy, knowing that the two men already know each other by heart: Neymar played under the orders of the Asturian for three years under the colors of Barça.
In fact, ‘Ney’ was even crowned European champion with Luis Enrique, in 2015, alongside Leo Messi and Luis Suarez. The latter, however, has not yet “made a decision” about the former nugget of Santos, according to AS . On the side of Mundo Deportivo, we assure that his agents have taken the pulse of the Barcelona side. Closed door at Camp Nou, where the operation is considered “economically unfeasible” and where Xavi has, it is said, put his veto, fearing for the balance of the locker room. Saudi Arabia ? That wouldn’t be in Neymar’s plans, as Fabrizio Romano reported recently, as MLS remain on the prowl after getting their hands on Messi.
But in a few weeks, Paris-SG may no longer want to see Neymar leave the Parc des Princes. To see if the interested party could win back the hearts of the supporters, he who saw a few dozen of them disembark in front of his home, in Bougival, in order to claim his departure at the end of the season. He had also been whistled at the ceremony for the awarding of the French champion trophy. Like his return against Strasbourg, in 2018, after having flirted with a return to FC Barcelona, Neymar Jr is however a master in the art of the opposite foot. Enough to finally prove himself worthy of the 222 M€ swallowed up in his transfer in 2017? So far, the account is not there. If Kylian Mbappé leaves, the opportunity would be great.
And if Bondy’s crack should finally stay, “Lucho” will on the other hand be faced with the same puzzle as Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Christophe Galtier before him. Admittedly, the two stars are complementary in certain aspects, but Mbappé and Neymar are both attracted to the left side. Not the same profile, but the same area of influence. We are not there yet. Neymar Jr should not touch the ball right away, working solo first. Each day has enough trouble of its.
