This week has brought plenty of talk involving both a potential transfer of Neymar, and the current partnership between Chevrolet and Manchester United. Thus, the following transfer rumor, which seems a bit outrageous at first glance, isn’t so ludicrous upon closer inspection.
When you put all the pieces together, it somewhat makes sense. Of course, the reason we’re even talking about this topic is because it’s international break, and thus a slow news day. Nevertheless, Spanish outlet Diario Gol reports that United are out to acquire Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, and that their shirt sponsor, Chevrolet, will help fund this transfer.
Obviously, United have very deep pockets for financing any kind of summer transfer window war chest, but the Brazilian is also the most expensive footballer in history, having moved over from FC Barcelona for €222 million in 2017.
Earlier this week, another Spanish outlet, Don Balon, reported that Chelsea are interested in acquiring the flashy, controversial winger once their transfer ban is lifted, and that they would even be willing to shell out 210 million Euro to do so.
That narrative, coupled with the ESPN story today, claiming that United have a potential new shirt sponsor ready to supplant Chevrolet, pulls this all together. At risk of potentially losing their partnership with United, one could see what Chevy might actually consider funding a Neymar transfer, and DG even talks monetary figures, as the website claims (translated into English through Google):
180 million euros would be willing to put those of the car brand to get Manchester United to be done with his signing. The English team would put a figure between 50 and 80 million more to complete the figure and go with a very powerful proposal.
Of course, United desperately need a goal-scorer, and Neymar, who badly wants out of PSG, definitely fits the bill. With Marcus Rashford not developing into anything special (possibly more injured than we’re led to believe), Anthony Martial hurt, Alexis Sanchez having flopped and now sent out on loan, Romelu Lukaku not gelling at Old Trafford and having been sold, their attacking unit is extremely shallow right now.
Their decision not to replace Lukaku has backfired badly, and for a team led by a former striker, the unit is abysmal at finishing. United have been absolutely dreadful in the final third since opening day and Neymar would bring plenty of goals. He also brings a ton of baggage, especially so off the pitch.
There’s also one more thing that would be achieved if United, partially funded by General Motors, acquires Neymar.
All the detractors and disgruntled fans that refer to the club as more of a branding/marketing concern first, which also plays some football, would have a really strong exhibit A to refer to going forward.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
You can follow Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com on Twitter here and his cat on Instagram at this link.