Go back to the summer that Paris Saint-Germain signed Neymar, and the idea of him ever being unwanted would appear strange. The Brazilian arrived and, alongside Kylian Mbappe, formed a devastating attacking team. However, concerns appeared quickly that the attack-heavy line-up would mean that PSG were vulnerable on the counter. Concerns also developed that the Brazilian in question was not quite as committed to off-pitch development as he was in the past at Barcelona.
Those fears have worsened has time has moved on, and this summer is seen as key to his future. Reports in France suggest that PSG are keen to move on from the player, with teammates and the club alike no longer comfortable indulging his behaviour. Mbappe, who signed a new three-year deal in Paris, has made clear that he believes things have to become more serious in Paris – on and off the pitch.
And, if reports are to be believed, this includes shifting Neymar and moving on from what has been a highly expensive but inconsistent era. Neymar might always be associated with extensive spending and extravagant off-the-field play, but few can doubt his talent when he is in the right mindset.
With PSG keen to get rid, then, suitors are slowly appearing across Europe. One team that needs a direct, dribbling presence is Chelsea. The Blues are keen to land a new attacker this year, with flop Romelu Lukaku fleeing back to Italy after a disastrous season in blue (again).
One name being suggested, then, is Neymar. And if one Blues player gets his way, then Neymar will be rocking the blue jersey in the season to come.
What did Thiago Silva say about Neymar?
Silva is currently back in Brazil enjoying a recharging period before the next season begins. This naturally has seen the player interviewed locally, and he was asked what he thought of the discussion about Neymar. Silva has always defended the playmaker, describing him as among the best players in the world on many occasions. However, it is rare for a player to be so open about the desire to see a move happen.
At an event being held in Recife, though, Silva was clear that he would love to pair up with a player whom he has found so much success with playing for Brazil. At the event, Silva noted: “You have to go to Chelsea. If it happens, it will be for the best. He needs no comments… so far, I don’t know anything, but I hope it comes to fruition.”
Again, in the world of football it is rare for players to be so open about the people they would like to be paired up with. Given the fame Neymar has in Brazil, and the cache he has with the national team, Neymar would make a lot of sense for Chelsea – at least in the eyes of Silva.
Given his profile as one of the most wanted players in world football, this summer could be the cheapest Neymar has been since he first left Brazil.
