Reports out of Spain suggest that Manchester United are set to trigger Neymar’s £140 million release clause in an attempt to tempt the Brazilian away from Barcelona.
United were linked with a move for Neymar this past summer as they chased a marquee signing to complete Louis van Gaal’s squad.
After struggling for inspiration in attack in the 2015-16 season and, with the Barcelona forward’s contract negotiations continuing to drag, some at Old Trafford appear to believe they can seal a deal with Neymar to take him to Old Trafford.
The report suggests that United had already discussed a move to England with the Brazilian’s representatives in the summer of 2014 and are now convinced they can get the transfer over the line next summer.
I would be stunned if this happens. Over the last six months Manchester United have been used by Sergio Ramos and Thomas Müller as leverage to get bigger contracts from Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. This looks like the same story.
Neymar is playing for the best team in the world, winning trophies seemingly monthly, and Barcelona are poised to make him the third highest paid player in Spain behind Messi and Ronaldo. Why would he want to come to Old Trafford?