Neymar's Saudi Arabian reappear, Mbappe and Xavi instrumental

Posted : 15 August 2023

After Neymar's acquisition by Barcelona from Santos in the summer of 2013, many anticipated that it marked the initial stride towards his domination of European football and his ascent to becoming the finest player globally. Exactly a decade later, as his move to Al Hilal was confirmed, an evaluation of a career brimming with missed opportunities begins.

At the age of 31, following a series of injuries and a turbulent six-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar is seemingly concluding his chapter in European football, and some might argue, his entire professional journey. Despite this, Neymar's accolades remain impressive: his European career encompasses 359 appearances, 223 goals, and the clinching of 21 trophies. Yet, it's difficult to overlook the contemplation of what could have unfolded had he not chosen to depart Barcelona at the zenith of his prime, at age 25, for Paris, a decision he now departs from with a sense of frustration.

Reported by L'Equipe, recent times have seen Neymar harboring unfavorable sentiments towards PSG. He perceived himself as a mere "pawn" in the hands of the club's leadership, manipulated in the power struggle with Kylian Mbappé. Neymar reportedly grasped that Mbappé wasn't enthusiastic about continuing their collaboration, leading PSG to utilize Neymar as a bargaining chip.

Upon the Saudi offer to purchase Neymar for approximately €90 million, PSG swiftly seized the opportunity. "For the club, this offer is a gift from above. We wouldn't have received such an offer for Neymar from any other team, not even close," remarked a club insider, as quoted by Le Parisien. "To the Saudis, Neymar remains one of the world's best players. Perhaps not just in terms of performance, but certainly in terms of his image. They had no reservations about shelling out such substantial sums for him."

Undeniably, Neymar made determined efforts to prolong his stay in European football and continue engaging in competitive play at the highest echelons. The aspiration to return to Barcelona remained a lingering fantasy. However, Neymar was acutely aware that this possibility was practically unattainable, chiefly due to one individual. Fabrizio Romano disclosed, "Everyone at Barcelona desired Neymar's return. Laporta was enthusiastic about the prospect right from the moment it was considered. Nonetheless, during discussions with Barcelona, Neymar was unequivocal that as long as Xavi remains the coach, his reintegration is impossible. This strained relationship has rendered Neymar's reunion with Barcelona unfeasible."

With the realization that a Barcelona return was implausible, Neymar reportedly made a last-ditch endeavor to secure a prominent European team. As per an English report, his representatives independently approached Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City, yet all declined without exception. The primary reasons for rejection were PSG's lofty valuation of Neymar and his substantial wage demands.

Ultimately, Neymar's destination settled on Al Hilal, where he is set to relish favorable circumstances. Following medical evaluations yesterday, he is poised to depart for Saudi Arabia on Friday alongside his family and representatives. The announcement of his role as the new player for the team is anticipated.

Neymar's Saudi Arabian reappear, Mbappe and Xavi instrumental

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