On what condition could Premier League giants Manchester United sign Neymar from PSG?

Neymar’s six-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain looks almost certain to come to an end this summer. As was the case in 2022, the Ligue 1 club have not hidden their desire to move on the Brazilian star, who has now admitted to his entourage that he is open to leaving the French capital in the coming weeks. According to L’Équipe, Premier League giants Manchester United is his most likely destination.

The French newspaper has reported that the Red Devils are already in talks with PSG over the signing of the Brazilian, although the details of any potential deal have still to be agreed. However, the 31-year-old is likely to have one big move left in his career, with a spell in the Premier League an attractive box that he still has left to tick.

Last summer, Neymar triggered an automatic extension to the new contract he had signed in 2021, which was to run until 2025. However, the extension added an extra two years to 2027, suggesting the Brazil international would be unlikely to leave the club even if they put him on the transfer list.

Why does Neymar want to leave Paris Saint-Germain?

The situation, however, has changed. Neymar is no longer happy in the French capital and began contemplating a move away from PSG when ultras turned up outside his house and demanded that he leave at the start of the month. L’Équipe say that former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, an international teammate and close friend of the ex-Barcelona star, is trying to convince him to sign for Manchester United.

What type of deal could see the ex-Barça star move to Manchester United?

How likely is it that Neymar moves to the Premier League on a permanent transfer? Not very, it seems. PSG are willing to accept a loan without a fee, as long as Manchester United pay 100% of his wages. The Brazilian currently earns €3.6 million ($3.89 million) per month before tax, which no club in Europe would be able to pay if they also had to pay a transfer fee for a permanent move.

In the coming days, Neymar will meet with PSG football advisor Luis Campos to clarify his future. While there are obstacles to him leaving this summer, negotiations with United have already begun, while other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle United, are also thought to be interested in the former Santos attacker, whose time in Paris has been marred by inconsistency and a series of injuries.

Neymar’s injury issues

Fitness concerns could also dissuade potential suitors from paying PSG big money. Neymar suffered an ankle ligament injury in February that has kept him on the sidelines for the past three months. Since he moved to Paris in 2017, a number of similar setbacks have hampered his attempts to lead the club to their first ever Champions League title.

United, who are in the midst of a takeover process with Sir Jim Radcliffe, CEO of chemicals company INEOS, and Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani hoping to buy the club, could agree to take on his wages but will not pay a transfer fee.