It will be some time before we see another transfer as grand as Neymar’s to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old completed his stunning €222 million move from Barcelona on Thursday and was unveiled at the Parc des Princes on Friday.
But while Neymar’s transfer record could stand for some time, we could see another nine-figure deal in the coming weeks.
Barcelona have to find a replacement for Neymar and have been linked with a host of talented names, including Ousmane Dembele, Paulo Dybala, Philippe Coutinho and Kylian Mbappe.
French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Friday that Barça have held talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Dembele, who would prefer to join the Blaugrana over Real Madrid.
But the 20-year-old wouldn’t come cheap. Dortmund value him at €100m, a figure no doubt reached with Neymar’s move to PSG in mind.
Clubs know that Barça are desperate and have money to spend, so will hike the prices of their players.
It will be the same if the Spanish giants enquire about Dybala, Coutinho or Mbappe.
Ronaldinho names the player who could replace Neymar
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has added his two cents by admitting that Liverpool playmaker Coutinho could fill the gap vacated by his Brazil teammate.
“There are only very few players in the world who can replace Neymar - and I have said that I think Coutinho could play for them,” Ronaldinho said, per Goal.
“He is at a level where he could come and fill the gap left by Neymar - but Liverpool will know his worth and after the fees of this summer it will cost Barcelona.”
Ronaldinho gave Neymar advice
Ronaldinho played for both PSG and Barcelona during his illustrious career and so he was in a perfect position to give Neymar advice - which he did.
"I have played for both clubs and of course Barcelona are the bigger team historically, but both clubs are now at a level where they are competing for the biggest trophies," the former Ballon d’Or winner added.
“I told [Neymar] that he had to make the right decision for him. I did not want to advise him either way - I have just told him to follow his heart and hopefully that is what he has done.”
Neymar’s doubters believe he is simply following the money, but he has vowed that his decision to leave Barcelona for PSG comes from a desire to experience a new challenge.