Neymar ruining Messi and PSG ready to take drastic action
Robin Bairner
- 6 Jan 2022 09:51 GMT
- 3 min read
When Paris Saint-Germain signed Lionel Messi in August, it was hoped that his close relationship with Neymar would help the pair sparkle on the field.
Instead, they have combined for a paltry nine goals this season in 30 appearances between them – exactly half the number that Kylian Mbappe has managed alone.
With the Argentine facing quiet but increasing criticism over his level, PSG are reportedly getting ready to take significant action in order to get the best out of the Barcelona icon.
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Indeed, these concerns have been amplified in recent days following Messi contracting Covid, having apparently spent much of his Christmas break partying. Similarly, Neymar has faced criticism for his lifestyle, with the Brazil ace enjoying a prolonged holiday in his homeland over the winter break as he fights back from injury.
El Nacional reports that PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi has already discussed Messi’s disappointing level with the player, while he has earmarked Neymar as having a bad influence on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Parisians are ready to offload the Brazil star, who is not justifying his salary.
Meanwhile, Neymar does not oppose such a move as he still has the desire to be the great star of a team. This is much the reason he left Barcelona.
Messi, though, does not want to see his friend leave the club.
Could PSG really dump Neymar?
It is clear that PSG are struggling to get the best out of their three superstars, and Neymar more than the others.
Since arriving in Paris in 2017, the former Barcelona star has managed to play only 134 games, often suffering from injuries and facing criticism over his lifestyle choices.
While PSG have the luxury of being financially supported by owners QSI and therefore do not have to concern themselves too much with value for money, Neymar is struggling to perform at the elite level that they demand.
It makes logical sense that Neymar is under pressure at PSG, though the biggest impediment to the club offloading him are his huge wages, which few teams will be able to match and even fewer willing to pay.
