Neymar to cost PSG over half a billion dollars

Neymar’s impending move from Paris Saint-Germain to Barcelona is set to cost the French club over a $500 million dollars.

The Neymar-to-PSG transfer saga has dragged on for weeks, but appears finally to be nearing a close, as Barcelona announced the Brazilian’s decision to leave and Lionel Messi bid farewell to his soon-to-be former teammate on Instagram.

The deal is expected to be officially finalized by the end of the week, and Sky Sports is reporting the total fee, including wages, bonuses and the transfer fee, will total nearly £450 million, which comes to $595 million.

Neymar will earn an eye-watering £515 thousand-a-week, while PSG will have to pay his £198 million release clause in full. That will make him more than twice as expensive as Paul Pogba, who became the world’s most expensive player last summer, when Manchester United shelled out £89 million for his services.

Neymar will certainly make PSG better, and will team up with Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani and Julian Draxler in what looks like it will be a potent attack. The French side missed out on the Ligue 1 title last season for the first time in four years, and crashed out of the Champions League to Barcelona in the round of 16, after blowing a 4-0 first leg lead.

That Champions League loss reportedly helped persuade Neymar to leave Camp Nou. The Brazilian inspired Barca’s incredible comeback, but Messi starred in the defining image of the night.

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That seems like a petty reason to leave one of the most iconic teams in the world, not to mention arguably the greatest player of all time, but Neymar clearly feels ready to be the main man on his team.

He’ll certainly be that at PSG, and he’s more than capable of taking on the mantle. But expectations will be high, especially given the money PSG are going to spend. The Ligue 1 title will presumably be the minimum requirement, with many hoping for a Champions League win as well.