Neymar Jr. continues to rehab from season-ending ankle surgery, but that hasn’t stopped transfer rumors from speculating where the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will play next season.
According to transfer expert and CaughtOffside columnist Fabrizio Romano, Neymar’s future likely remains in one of Europe’s top league’s and not in the Saudi Pro League.
“It is true there is interest from Saudi but it’s not something advanced on the player’s side; it’s not an advanced conversation,” Romano said on the Debrief podcast.
“I have a feeling that as of now Neymar still wants to compete in European football, he wants to fight for a Champions League title again, and so this is the feeling of those around Neymar [but] we know with Saudis we have to keep an eye on the situation until the end of the window because for PSG it’s a possibility to let Neymar go.”
In recent weeks, teams in the Saudi Pro League have shocked the football world by signing several marquee stars. After missing out on Lionel Messi, who opted for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, many speculate the Saudi’s could make Neymar an offer he can’t refuse.
However, if Neymar can return stronger than ever following his surgery, with a desire to win the Champions League, PSG could achieve its ultimate goal since the Qatar Sports Investments takeover in 2011.
If PSG wants to move on from Neymar, and the Saudi Pro League is out, Chelsea FC could be a very attractive destination. They won’t be able to offer Champions League football after a disappointing finish last season, but with a free-spending owner, Chelsea will likely have a say in the Neymar saga before the transfer window closes.