Guardiola Calls Neymar As Multiple Premier League Clubs Consider Move for PSG Star

Guardiola Calls Neymar As Multiple Premier League Clubs Consider Move for PSG Star

Martin Moses
updated at May 30, 2023 at 1:23 PM
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  • Pep Guardiola has reportedly contacted Neymar, sparking rumours of a possible move to Manchester City
  • Neymar remains unappreciated by a section of Paris Saint-Germain fans
  • He might be a key addition to Guardiola's side, which will be seeking a fourth consecutive title next season

Pep Guardiola reportedly made a phone call to Neymar, who is becoming increasingly likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain this season.

Guardiola is said to have called the Brazilian only days after news broke out that Manchester United could be one of the clubs interested in the winger.

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Neymar in action for Paris Saint-Germain on February 19, 2023. Photo by Antonio Borga.
Source: Getty Images

Neymar enjoyed a brilliant individual campaign in France this season, before an ankle injury curtailed his further involvement. PSG were then eliminated from the Champions League, provoking angry reactions from the club's ultras, who have now demanded that Neymar and Lionel Messi leave the club.

While Messi will be a free agent, Neymar remains contracted until 2027, and it remains to be seen if the French side will want to cash in on him. As L'Euipe reports, Guardiola checked in on the 31-year-old, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Manchester City will move in for him.

On paper, Manchester City are among the few clubs that can afford to pay the astronomical wages of the former Barcelona man. The Mirror adds that Manchester United are also tempted by the possibility of bringing Neymar to Old Trafford.

A City line-up with Neymar

Despite his injury concerns, Neymar is a world-class player who would readily walk into any team.

Should Guardiola's phone calls turn into a move to the Etihad, Sports Brief takes a look at how he would fit into Guardiola's plans. The Spanish manager has shown over the years that he is not afraid to tweak his system.

1. As a left winger

This is the Brazilian's position of strength. He has played the majority of his career from the left wing due to the lethal nature of his right foot. Jack Grealish has, however, made this position his own this season after initially struggling since joining from Aston Villa.

2. As a secondary striker

Should Guardiola stick with Grealish on the left wing, Neymar could easily be moved into a secondary striker position. It is the same position he adopted under Tite in the Brazil national team setup to allow for Vinicius Junior's inclusion in the team.

Guardiola's 3-2-4-1 formation could see him play alongside Kevin De Bruyne, just behind Erling Haaland and just in front of a double pivot midfield, usually comprised of John Stones and Rodri, with Grealish and Bernardo Silva covering the flanks.

This could also solve the Ilkay Gundogan issue. The skipper is yet to agree a new deal with the club.

3. As a number 10

This is highly unlikely given that Guardiola rarely uses the 4-2-3-1 formation that allows for the number 10 to play behind the striker. However, De Bruyne dropping in slightly deep could allow Neymar to play in between two wingers, just behind the main striker.

Guardiola could as easily come up with a different position for the talented forward. It would be exciting to see what he adds to the current Manchester City team, should he join this summer.

Neymar skips title celebrations

Sports Brief also reported that Neymar elected not to travel to Strasbourg, where a solitary Lionel Messi goal secured a 1-1 draw for the Parisians and confirmed their second successive Ligue 1 title.

The Brazilian instead attended the showcase Formula 1 event in Monaco, and was pictured alongside Hollywood superstars like Tom Holland, Orlando Bloom, and Michael Douglas - a decision that has not gone down well with the club.

Neymar's absence from their title celebrations has reportedly been seen as an 'act of provocation' by the PSG hierarchy, as his exit this summer appears increasingly likely.

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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)
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