Chelsea RULE OUT Neymar transfer after Pochettino verdict
Cameron Smith
- 8 Aug 2023 10:34 BST
- 4 min read
Mauricio Pochettino does not want to be reunited with Neymar at Chelsea, according to the Evening Standard, following news that the Blues were exploring a possible move for the Brazil international.
Neymar, 31, has told Paris Saint-Germain that he wants to leave the club this summer, as per L’Equipe, but a possible move back to Barcelona has been met with uncertainty by Xavi, who isn’t convinced he wants the forward to return to Camp Nou.
His chances of leaving PSG have now been dealt a further blow following reports that Pochettino does not want Chelsea to move for Neymar.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
Following his transfer request, RMC Sport reported that Chelsea had sounded out a potential move for Neymar, with Todd Boehly engaging in talks with Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
But, Pochettino has now informed the Blues hierarchy that he does not want to be reunited with Neymar; the former Tottenahm Hotspur boss was Neymar’s manager at PSG between 2021 and 2022.
MORE: Neymar lodges PSG transfer request as Barcelona links INTENSIFY
Neymar will NOT join Chelsea
According to the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, PSG would accept an offer of between €70 million (£60m) and €81m (£70m), but Neymar’s wages are a huge issue.
The Brazil international reportedly earns €28m per season at the Parc des Princes, as reported by Foot Mercato, which is seen as not financially viable for Chelsea given their recent attempts to drastically reduce their wage bill.
Furthermore, Kinsella has reported that Pochettino had concerns whether Neymar was the right type of profile to suit the culture and style of football he is trying to implement at Stamford Bridge.
Neymar’s age (31) may also have played a role given so far this summer, Chelsea have focused on signing younger players, with all of their new arrivals 25 years old or younger.
Neymar's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €48m, meaning Chelsea would be overpaying if they decide to ignore Pochettino's demands and pay PSG's asking price.
