Sridhar Bhamidi
Neymar is the flavor of this transfer window – at least for the past week or so. Ever since news broke out that the Brazilian forward could be tempted by a world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, the rumor mills haven’t stopped tracking him (Sun).
May be to prove a point or to show the world that he deserves all attention, Neymar has excelled in the pre-season tour to America. He scored 3 goals in two International Champions Cup games and was the difference in the 1-0 win for Barcelona over Manchester United.
Along with his on-field action, his every move off the pitch too was being scrutinized. So, when he was seen hugging United manager Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba before the clash on Sunday, it only set the speculation world, tingling with expectation. (h/t by Fellow United bloggers at thepeoplesperson.com)
See you soon Neymar pic.twitter.com/VNCsVlwSWb
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) July 26, 2017
Mourinho did the same earlier this week when he joked with Gareth Bale that he won’t bid for him because Bale doesn’t talk to him. More than Bale, it’s Neymar who is on the transfer market and so it is natural to link him to United.
There is no doubt that Neymar would be an excellent addition – in fact, a coup, for the Red Devils. Old Trafford will lap up the mercurial Brazilian and am sure every fan would drool over the signing if it happens.
But, let’s face the facts. Neymar has done this every season; showcasing his frustrations – either to get a wage hike or to lap up attention. In fact, there are reports that the Catalan club officials are frustrated with his antics and wouldn’t be averse to selling him at his release clause of €222million.
Should United Be Going For Neymar?
It’s a blatant no from me – for two reasons. One, because it is a waste of resources to go for a player at such an exorbitant price and two, because the probability of this signing becoming a reality is zilch.
Mourinho and United know that getting a player of the scale and skill of Neymar is not possible every day. It is natural to jump into the fray when such players become available but unless Neymar shows an inclination to sign for us, there is no need to waste our time.
Going by what has happened so far, the destination for Neymar looks to be either Barcelona or Paris and not Manchester.
