World Transfer Rumours: Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid

Problems at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain president Nassir Al-Khelaifi gave an extensive interview with France Football over the weekend. There were plenty of interesting quotes, but his comments on ‘superstar behaviour’ were by far the most interesting.

“The players are going to have to assume their responsibilities even more than before,” Al-Khelaifi told France Football.

“It has to be completely different. They will have to do more, work more… They are not here to have fun.

“And if they don’t agree with this point of view, the doors are open. Ciao! I no longer want to have superstar behaviour.”

The last line, “I no longer want to have superstar behaviour,” has been taken as a direct shot at Neymar, and reopened his constant transfer rumours. L’Equipe report that PSG would listen to offers for the Brazilian, but only if they are over €200 million.

Reports of teams interested in Neymar have been there since the moment he signed. But this is the first sign that Neymar could be allowed to leave PSG. Its highly unlikely that anyone will reach their price though; especially after Real Madrid signed Eden Hazard last week.

Atletico Break Bank for Felix

Atletico Madrid have known for some time they were going to have money to spend. The expected move of Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona on July 1st has given them the money to spend. With that in mind, MARCA report that Atletico Madrid will complete the signing of Joao Felix very soon.

Felix is one of the most sought after prospects in Europe. The 19-year-old is coming off an outstanding breakthrough season at Benfica. He shoehorned his way into the starting lineup and ended up scoring 19 goals in 40 games in all competitions. Those are incredible numbers for a 19-year-old in his first season in top-flight football.

If Atletico are going to make Felix their Griezmann replacement, they’re going to have to use all of the Griezmann money. Griezmann’s buyout clause drops to €120 million on July 1st and it has been long expected that Barcelona is going to pay it.

Incidentally, Joao Felix’s buyout clause is also €120 million, and Benfica have no intention of letting him go for less.