Neymar to Man Utd: Premier League legend ‘convinced’ PSG star wants transfer

Robin Bairner

• 24 May 2023 08:50 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have been given a boost in their hopes of recruiting PSG attacker Neymar.

The Red Devils have been linked with a possible move for the Brazil international in the summer transfer window, with the 31-year-old having failed to live up to the expectations in France following a world-record €222 million move from Barcelona in 2017.

Neymar, who is under contract until 2025 and has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €59m, has been plagued with injury problems since then, but his off-field attitude has often been questioned, with regular accusations levelled at him of enjoying the Parisian high life too much.

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As such, he has been targeted as a scapegoat by fans unhappy with the direction in which the club is going. Matters reached a head early in May, when fans gathered outside his house and chanted at him to leave the club.

Emmanuel Petit, who turned out with distinction in the Premier League with Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as being a member of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup, says he is “convinced” that Neymar wants to leave PSG, with Man Utd a destination often cited as being possible.

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Speaking to RMC about the situation, he said: “I’ve always defended him, and even more so after the wild hoard that turned up at his house insulting him and his family and asking him to get out. We’re dragging him through the mud.

“Everyone in Paris, on TV sets and even the famous Parisian supporters keep spitting on him saying that he has a lack of investment, that he doesn't love the jersey.

“And today, you are telling me that the management of PSG would be making a mistake if he they let him go even on loan. I hope someone around him listens to the media from time to time.

“I say it again, Neymar, leave! Be like Messi, get out! Don't stay here in France and Paris.

“The accumulation of things that have happened on and off the field, it’s gone extremely far in the aggressiveness and the things that have been said about him.

“If I were in Neymar’s place I would never stay at this club. And I am convinced that Neymar no longer wants to stay here.”

FootballTransfers understands that Man Utd’s interest in Neymar is dependent on the takeover of the club – and even at that point, there is no guarantee a deal can be thrashed out with PSG.