Would Neymar Be A Good Signing For Mauricio Pochettino And Chelsea?

Lionel Messi has already confirmed he will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract with the French club and the Argentine might not be the only superstar attacker to be on his way out of the Parc des Princes. Indeed, there are also questions over Neymar’s future with PSG reportedly open to selling the Brazilian.

Signed in 2017 for a world record transfer fee, Neymar was meant to become the face of ‘Project PSG.’ Instead, he has become a symbol of everything that has prevented PSG from reaching the top of European soccer with Neymar’s attitude and commitment to the cause frequently questioned over the last six years.

Nonetheless, Neymar remains one of the most naturally talented attackers in the game and he could have suitors this summer. Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing the 31-year-old after missing out on Messi who instead decided to join Inter Miami, but a move to the Premier
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League could also be on the cards.

Chelsea have been linked with the Brazilian international and could make an offer to sign Neymar. The Stamford Bridge club’s interest in the 31-year-old is a long-standing one dating all the way back to when Neymar left Santos to sign for Barcelona. That interest is still there now that Chelsea have Todd Boehly as owner.

Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the Blues this summer and will be charged with remoulding Chelsea after a dismal 2022/23 season. The Argentine will surely focus a lot of attention on his attack such was Chelsea’s toothlessness in the final third last term. That must be more dangerous, and certainly more clinical, next season.

Neymar’s number suggest he would improve Chelsea’s attack. Indeed, the Brazilian has registered 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances for PSG, highlighting just how productive he can be. Pochettino certainly needs to find a way to add more goals to his Chelsea team before the start of next season.

Out of possession, though, Neymar would be a problem for Pochettino at Chelsea just as he was a problem for him at PSG, where he also coached the Brazilian. Pochettino’s approach is a high-energy one and Neymar contributes very little in terms of pressure on the ball. He would be a luxury player for Chelsea.

It’s possible Pochettino could build a system around Neymar that compensates for his weaknesses, but Chelsea need everyone to be pulling in the same direction after a season which saw them finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table. The symbolism of Neymar’s signing would be damaging.