Newcastle United’s owners PIF are reportedly interested in launching an ambitious move for PSG superstar Neymar, who was heavily criticised by Alan Shearer back in 2018.
There is currently speculation that Neymar could leave PSG alongside Lionel Messi this summer, which has led to a claim that Newcastle could make a move.
It has been reported by 90min that PIF, the Magpies’ majority shareholders, want to bring a marquee name to the club ahead of potentially competing in the Champions League next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been discussed, but manager Eddie Howe is reportedly not keen.
However, 90min suggest that Neymar could be a different story. The report adds that Newcastle would be able to pay the £75million that PSG are looking for, and believe he would be a good fit at St James’ Park.
Whether or not that is true is up for debate, but a move to Tyneside for Neymar could lead to an awkward encounter with a Toon legend.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer called Neymar ‘absolutely pathetic’
Alan Shearer is much more connected with the club since the change of ownership, and spoke to the players ahead of the Carabao Cup final earlier this year. Alexander Isak has spoke highly about Shearer and the relationship they have.
So if Neymar were to sign for Newcastle, he would no doubt come across Shearer, who had some harsh words for the Brazilian back in 2018.
The 31-year-old was representing his country at the World Cup against Mexico, and hit the ground after a challenge from Miguel Layun. The Brazil number 10 rolled on the floor in ‘agony’, leading to huge amount of criticism from Shearer.
“It’s absolutely pathetic,” he said.
“There’s no doubting the ability of him, but it really is pathetic when he’s rolling around in agony, why does he feel the need to do that?
“It’s been a terrific World Cup, but the one downside is players feigning injury and the diving, it’s a big issue.”
Not a good fit for Newcastle
That is one side of Neymar’s game that we would not want to see at St James’ Park. Shearer was right to call it out at the time, but sadly it is something that he continues to do.
While he is a world class talent with more natural ability than pretty much every footballer on the planet today, that does not necessarily mean he would be a good fit at Newcastle. He is a megastar, but one who could easily upset the harmony among the group if things start to go awry.
Regardless, it is a futile conversation. There is surely no way that Neymar is going to sign for Newcastle United this summer. But if he does, Shearer needs him to cut out the rolling around!
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