Newcastle could be in the market for Neymar in an eye-watering move that could see their new owners put a stamp on their ambitions after their £305m takeover last October, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Thanks to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, the Magpies became the richest club in world football and their power has already been seen, after the club spent a whopping £91.89 million (Transfermarkt) in the January transfer window, and the new owners aren’t done there – with their latest target being rumoured to be Brazilian sensation Neymar.
Reports suggest the French giants are willing to part ways with the world’s most expensive signing at the end of the season, but Newcastle could find themselves battling the likes of Manchester City and Neymar’s previous club Barcelona for the player’s signature.
The club have also been linked with a surprise move for Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane as they look to fast-track their plans to join the top of the Premier League and fight for the title.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, O’Rourke stated that both could be on the horizon for the club given their lofty aspirations, saying: “Obviously, the names of Neymar and Kane would be dream signings for Newcastle and just shows how much ambition they probably have.”
TIF Thoughts on possible Neymar signing…
Neymar is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in world football and would be a huge statement of intent from Newcastle’s new owners if they were to land his signature. And, Bruno Guimaraes clearly feels the same as he described the Brazilian as ‘incredible‘ when facing him over in France.
The Brazilian impressed most during his time at Barcelona, forming a dynamic and destructive front three with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. During his time with the Catalan giants, he played 186 times, racking up an astounding 105 goals and 76 assists (Transfermarkt).
He has largely continued this great form with PSG, putting up 97 goals and 58 assists in his 139 appearances, but worryingly, he has dealt with an immense number of injuries that have derailed the club’s search for a Champions League title. During his time in France, Neymar has racked up 26 different injuries, missing a total of 105 games – nearly hitting the same number of appearances he has made for the club.
While his injury history is not the best, there are a lot of worse things Newcastle could do than sign the winger. He will almost certainly fit right into the starting lineup given his stature and could attract the bigger names that the new owners will want to sign in the future. It will be a huge statement that they have arrived if they land Neymar, but they will have to fight for him.