Latest reports in the media are claiming that Paris Saint Germain star Neymar and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo could be involved in a swap deal.
There is something in the game of a Brazilian attacker that has dazzled football fans for years. If there is something these South Americans know, it is how to enjoy the game and make it worth watching. Their quick feet, shoulder feints and a touch for the fancy has seen them equipped with enough ammunition to raise a jam-packed stadium to its feet. Neymar is probably the best embodiment of the Samba football in the world at the moment.
Barcelona lost Neymar to Paris Saint Germain. The French club shocked the world by paying out the Brazilian’s release clause. Since his move to Barcelona back in 2013, the Brazilian superstar has evolved into one of the best players in European football. His status and value were quantified when Paris Saint Germain came knocking for him with a jaw-dropping $263 million bid.
He has had a very impressive start to his life in France with already around 34 contributions in terms of goals and assists in just around 22 games. He is now also an integral part of an exciting Brazilian attack constituting players like midfield ace Philippe Coutinho and Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus.
On the other hand, it is common news that Real Madrid is in the hunt for a new striker. Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been unable to live up to his usual standards at the Santiago Bernabeu this season. The Portuguese icon, widely regarded as one of the best players football has ever seen, moved to Madrid back in 2009.
He has since gone on to win the best player of the year on five occasions and become the club’s all-time leading goal scorer in the process. His eight-year stay at Madrid has seen him become an icon at the Bernabeu and Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feat has helped Real Madrid win every possible trophy available in club competition.
Ronaldo, who turned 32 this year is slowly entering the final phase of his career and Real Madrid will need to scout for possible replacements for the iconic Portuguese forward.
As for Neymar, the Brazil winger is now scoring regularly for his new side as he wishes to emulate the likes of Messi and Ronaldo by winning several Ballon d’Or awards. However, it has also been reported that the player is unhappy with the standard of football in France and is already planning a move back to Spain, with Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid preferred to be his destination this time around.
Should the move go through, Real will lose their legendary striker but will surely be bringing in enough quality to replace the ageing Ronaldo. As for Paris Saint Germain, the deal will give the club great exposure and a proven goalscorer but will not be the best move in the long run given Ronaldo’s years at the top look numbered.
