How Neymar broke the transfer market to join PSG

How Neymar broke the transfer market

On 3rd August 2017 Neymar Shocked the world by joining Paris Saint Germain (PSG) for a world record €222 million, if it was a move that sent the shockwave to the football world not just because of the sheer scale of the financial transaction, but also it's knock-on effect.

In may 2016 PSG made their first move. The board believe in order to win the competitions they are going to have to attract the world's best Messi and Ronaldo were considered, but they wouldn't offer long term returns. So they targeted Neymar Jr only for him to sign a new contract. 

However Neymar Jr had proven he could step up in Messi's absence, scoring 12 goals in 13 games without him in the previous 2 seasons. And even outshone him in La Remontada. Neymar was superb that night scoring 2 goals, winning a penalty and providing an assist in the comback. 

The next week, Messi shows everyone who's the boss by scoring 92nd minute winner goal in El Classico, with Neymar suspended. The Brazilian was acutely aware of his standing within the side and this contrasted with his personal ambitions. 

Neymar's lifestyle was always a matter of concern for the club hierarchy and caused issues. Coincidentally he always missed the game around his sister's birthday. Paris Saint Germain (PSG) were targeting Mbappe, Aguero and others but all that changed with a single phone call.

Neymar entourage called Naseer Al-Khelaifi, PSG's chairman and informed him that Neymar is ready to leave Barcelona. PSG dropped everything and the deal was on. The story was broken on Twitter and the world went nuts. 

Meanwhile Messi, Suarez and Pique pleaded with him to say with the latter even posting a picture saying "Se queda" or "He stays". In early August, the Brazilian stormed out of training after arguing with Nelson Semedo, and the writing was on the wall. The € 222 million deal was done.

The immediate impact of the transfer has been obvious. Not only have € 100 million deals have become almost commonplace, 5 since Neymar, but the effects have trickled down. A normal player who was valued at £35 or £40 million, suddenly became £80 million.

And the player's brand value went suddenly up without any supreme talent. And the great MSN trio was broken by PSG.