Manchester United could be linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil forward Neymar as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming weeks, according to Dean Jones.
Ronaldo has reportedly told United he wants to leave the club this summer.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What’s the latest on Ronaldo?
Ronaldo has not re-joined the rest of the United squad for pre-season training, citing family reasons for his absence, an explanation which the Old Trafford club have accepted.
The Portugal legend wants to see more ambition from the Manchester club ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, and this could be his main reason for wanting to depart the club under 12 months after he rejoined his former employers.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly made contact with Chelsea about a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and you would assume that there will be plenty of interest in the 37-year-old from across Europe.
And Jones believes that Neymar is one of the names that could be linked with a move to Old Trafford, though the likelihood of it happening seems to be quite low.
What has Jones said about Ronaldo/Neymar?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I just think there’s going to be a lot of names mooted next week, as they push to find a replacement in order for him [Ronaldo] to be able to go.
“Neymar will probably come onto the scene.
“I can't actually see Neymar moving in this window and there will be such a lot of money involved in that deal.”
Could Neymar join United?
Though it seems unlikely that ten Hag and United would make a move for the 30-year-old forward, the departure of Ronaldo would free up significant funds for them to maybe explore the deal as a possibility.
The £67.5m-rated star made 28 appearances for PSG last season, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions according to Transfermarkt.
Neymar has been described by Ronaldo, his potential predecessor at United, as a player who could “become the best in the world.”
The 119-time Brazil international is still one of the planet’s biggest stars in the game, and is not just a goalscorer but also a creator as well.
Neymar ranked in the top 2% of attacking midfielders/wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.59) according to FBref.
The 5 foot 8 wide forward is also a very capable passer, ranking in the top 2% of attacking midfielders/wingers for attempted passes per 90 minutes (62.34) and top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (6.44) according to the same stats provider.
It seems unlikely, but if United could pull this transfer off should Ronaldo depart Old Trafford again, they may have secured a major coup.