© Photo @WSOP on Twitter
We're just weeks away from the start of the major footballing leagues in Europe. There have already been several top transfers, but what will happen to Neymar? It's still not clear who the Brazilian is going to be playing for?
The rumours are that Neymar will be leaving PSG in the summer transfer window. He's been playing for the current French champions since 2017, but will he still be playing for them in the 2022/23 season?
Neymar had injury problems last season but still scored 13 goals for PSG. He's already reached the 100-goal mark for them, and surely he has a lot more to offer. If PSG are prepared to let him go, finding a new club is important, with the 2022 World Cup starting in November.
While all this speculation goes on about his future, Neymar has been enjoying a summer break and having a great time, including poker online sessions and playing poker tournaments in Las Vegas.
Welcome back @neymarjr ! pic.twitter.com/mVxg3ag8fr
— WSOP (@WSOP) June 13, 2022
You would imagine that there would be several clubs keen on signing a player who has scored over 400 goals in his career. The usual suspects are already ruling themselves out of signing the Brazilian international.
Could he return to Barcelona? The La Liga side have already been busy in the transfer window. Raphina and Robert Lewandowski have already been signed this month. How much more cash have they spent, and would Neymar want to return to Barcelona?
How about going to Madrid? Atletico are looking at possibly signing Cristiano Ronaldo. That might not go down well with fans because of his Real Madrid connections. That same kind of feelings might be felt if Neymar went to Real after his time with Barcelona.
Chelsea have a new owner who is keen to see them back in the Premier League title race. They have signed England international Raheem Sterling, but a move for Neymar isn't going to happen.
One major stumbling block is the salary that Neymar is used to. Chelsea and other clubs might not be keen on signing a player who is paid 43 million euros a year, and that's before bonuses. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was formerly in charge at PSG but is apparently "lukewarm" on bringing Neymar to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United may be losing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. Paul Pogba has already left Old Trafford, so could Neymar join United? If Ronaldo does leave, then perhaps United might become interested in signing the Brazilian.
Newcastle United have lots of money to spend now they have new owners. Signing Neymar would be a big move for them and show their rivals just how serious they are. They already have Brazilian star Joelinton, and he's keen to see Neymar come to Newcastle.
Speaking on the Cast FC podcast, Joelinton said: "The man is an idol. Is huge in world soccer. So the invitation is done. Ney, if you are listening to this, you can come! I'll run to you all the time." Perhaps inviting him to a local casino to play some poker might do the trick.
There have been reports that the French champions offered Neymar to Manchester City. The reigning English Premier League champions have already signed Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips during this summer transfer window.
However, Pep Guardiola has dismissed the reports. Despite admiring the player, he isn't interested in bringing Neymar to the Etihad. He went on to say: "Leave him to express the huge talent that he has in Paris alongside Messi and the other stars they have."
That might be what happens. PSG have a new coach in charge for the 2022/23 season. Christophe Galtier has said that Neymar is in his plans, so might the Brazilian stay at the club? The current odds on who Neymar will be playing for at the start of next season have him at a short price to stay in Paris.
That looks like a possibility at present, but it could all change. It's always hectic towards the end of transfer windows. Clubs may have failed to sign their main targets, which might just cause them to look again at Neymar if he's still available.
Just what kind of line-up the new PSG boss wants is going to be important. Neymar could stay in Paris, but he will want time on the pitch in the lead-up to the World Cup. Mind you; if he had more time to play poker, he might not moan too much.
