According to sources in Spain, Manchester City turned down a deal for PSG superstar Neymar in the latter days of the summer transfer season. Find out the key reasons why here.
This summer, Neymar’s future appeared to be in the Premier League, with Chelsea mentioned as a potential destination for the Brazil international. Despite the additions of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofan and Kalidou Koulibaly, Thomas Tuchel is still keen to add more additions to his Stamford Bridge squad before the end of the transfer window.
However, the Blues eventually opted for a much more viable offensive option, snapping up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona. The forward quickly acclimatized to his new life in Spain, but once Robert Lewandowski showed up there, it became much more difficult for him. Furthermore, the armed break-in at his residence near Barcelona was undoubtedly a decisive factor in his departure from the Camp Nou.
Apparently, this prompted Parisians to look for alternatives; In the crunch moments of Thursday’s transfer deadline, Paris Saint-Germain reportedly made a bold attempt to knock on Manchester City’s door with an offer to sell the 30-year-old winger.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Manchester City were the team PSG could move Neymar to, but the Premier League winners have refused to sign him. To avoid further ego clashes, especially with Kylian Mbappe, the French team would prefer to get rid of the player.
Although neither Raheem Sterling nor Gabriel Jesus were immediately replaced, Pep Guardiola’s side did not see it as a chance they wanted to take. It is believed that they did not plan to make such a big trade that could damage the morale of the team.
Furthermore, unfortunately for the Brazilian, the Citizens had previously signed a superstar in Erling Haaland and had no intention of doing so again. Most likely, Julian Alvarez could also have been the deciding factor for not signing Neymar. Another top player would slow the Argentine’s rise after his performance against Nottingham Forest.
Last but not least, Manchester City’s decision not to sign the player could also be influenced by his astronomical salary demands. Even though Neymar has decided to finish out the season in Ligue 1, the fact that he has been offered to other clubs suggests that things may not be so great in Paris.