Neymar: Barcelona eyeing transfer alternative to PSG star from the Premier League

Neymar is unlikely to join Barcelona this summer. And reports say the Catalan giants are eyeing Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha as an alternative. Quique Seten is eager to improve his squad but whether he’s ultimately in charge at the Nou Camp come the end of the campaign remains to be seen.

Neymar was wanted by Barcelona a year ago but they ultimately blew the bulk of their transfer budget on Antoine Griezmann, who joined from Atletico Madrid.

Yet they’re primed to miss out on him again this summer.

Barcelona can’t afford to meet PSG’s huge asking price for the Brazil international, with the Ligue 1 giants determined to get their money back after paying £200million for him in 2017.

And, as an alternative, the International Business Times say that Barcelona are eyeing Crystal Palace’s Zaha.

A year ago, the Ivory Coast international looked likely to leave Selhurst Park for Arsenal.

But, after Palace dug their heels in regarding a fee, the Gunners ended up moving for Nicolas Pepe instead.

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Zaha is keen to leave Palace this time around after acting professionally over the last 12 months.

But whether Barcelona can sign him remains to be seen, with Roy Hodgson’s side under no financial pressure to sell.

Barca’s own finances have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, with players taking a 70 per cent pay cut over in Catalonia.

And their priority remains Neymar, even if the logistics of such a deal suggest it won’t be happening this summer.

Meanwhile, speaking recently, Brazil legend Juninho hit out at Neymar and accused him of being at PSG solely for the money.

“In Brazil we are taught to care only about money, but in Europe they have a different mentality,” the 45-year-old told The Guardian.

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“Unconsciously I made a career plan because I wanted to go to another big club in Brazil, and not to just play for sport.

“I was taught to go to who would pay me the most. That is the Brazilian way.

“Look at Neymar. He moved to PSG just because of money.

“PSG gave everything to him, everything he wanted, and now he wants to leave before the end of his contract. But now is the time to give back, to show gratitude.

“It’s an exchange, you see. Neymar needs to give everything he can on the pitch, to show total dedication, responsibility and leadership.

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“The problem is that the establishment in Brazil has a culture of greed and always want more money. This is what we were taught and what we learned.”

PSG midfielder Ander Herrera doubts Barcelona have the financial muscle to sign Neymar – just like Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe.

“Right now, no chance,” Herrera responded when asked about the possibility of Neymar and Mbappe moving to Spain by El Transistor.

“They seem very dedicated and happy, nothing to do with what is said.

“What’s more, I think neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona could handle a deal of this calibre in this situation, but I’m no economist and I’m not involved at either club.”

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source: express.co.uk