Jose Mourinho: Barcelona’s Neymar is not expensive
Speaking after his players beat Sampdoria 2-1 in a pre-season game, Mourinho stated his belief that £200m rated Neymar was not an expensive player.
In one of the shocks of the transfer window, Neymar appears to be on the verge of a move to PSG from Barcelona. Many have questioned how PSG could afford the Brazilian but Mourinho was adamant that paying that much is not a lot for a player of his quality.
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“When we signed Paul Pogba, I said he was not expensive. Expensive are the ones that get to a certain level without a certain quality. I don’t think £200m for Neymar is expensive. Expensive is the fact there will now be more players at £100m, more players at £50m, more players at £60m – that’s the problem.” Jose said.
The Manchester United boss continued, “Neymar is one of the best players in the world, so commercially that is very strong but the problem is not Neymar – the problem is the consequences.”.
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Known for his mind games, Mourinho was perhaps hinting at Manchester City’s transfer business, having spent over 100 million pounds on 3 fullbacks alone. In particular, Kyle Walker’s move from Tottenham is the one that stands out with Spurs fans laughing at the profit they’ve made from their back-up fullback.
Either way, Jose was reiterating his belief that the market has gone crazy and players who perhaps shouldn’t command such fees are doing so regardless due to desperate clubs. Never shy on spending money, the Portuguese tactician isn’t criticising huge sums when it equals good business such as Neymar’s transfer to PSG.
Instead he’s pointing out ridiculous sums spent on average players. In fact, Mourinho predicted such a thing would happen last year when he said that Pogba will no longer be the most expensive player in the world when this transfer window comes around. With Neymar’s reported move estimated at his release clause of £220m, it appears that Jose will be proven right.
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If the transfer does eventually happen, it’ll be interesting to see whether Pogba will improve even more this season with the pressure of the ‘most expensive player in the world’ title off his shoulders. The French midfielder has starred in his club’s pre-season tour and appears to be prepared for a more productive season this time around.
Next: Will Chris Smalling be shown the exit door this transfer window?
Mourinho has stated previously that his last signing for the window will be a winger so maybe there’s a chance that Manchester United will pull the rug under PSG’s feet and sign a true world class talent. Ed Woodward did declare that the club is capable of doing what others only dream of, is a move possible?