Neymar’s departure to Saudi Arabia surprised many observers. A specialist in the file has released startling revelations.
This will perhaps remain the most significant transfer of this summer of 2023. Because it concerns the most expensive player in the history of football. And because it symbolizes a turning point in the history of the transfer window, with this off-season marked by the seizure of power by Saudi Arabia. Six years after his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has therefore packed his bags to join the Arabian Peninsula, with a two-year contract at Al-Hilal, in the biggest club in Asia.
From the top of his 31 years, the Ney still seemed in full measure to bring his immense talent to a big European club. His name had notably circulated in Catalonia, like almost every summer. And FC Barcelona remained the first choice of the Brazilian international, but this transfer could not be finalized.
Neymar very disappointed by the behavior of a person
Officially, Deco, Barça’s new sporting director, has put forward purely economic reasons to explain this hiccup. “Everyone is aware that currently, given our financial situation, it was simply impossible to make such a signature. This would have required an agreement with PSG or an arrangement involving Gulf clubs, which was not achieved. It was never a possibility, given the economic situation of the club”.
Behind this well-prepared speech hides a completely different reality – sporting. Called to comment on the Neymar soap opera, journalist Fabrizio Romano put forward a name to justify the Ney’s non-arrival at Barça: Xavi. ” From what I’ve been told, Neymar didn’t go to Barca because of Xavi “. Yet close to the Brazilian when he played alongside him during his playing career, Xavi would have really opposed his return, believing that the presence of such a soloist could also be destabilizing on the pitch, for the balance of the team, than outside. Neymar would have been very disappointed by this turnaround. This element would have been decisive for his choice to join Saudi Arabia.
