Manchester United in 'advanced talks' over huge Neymar move – with Casemiro playing agent: report

Manchester United target Neymar gestures as he leaves after attending a hearing at the courthouse in Barcelona on October 18, 2022, on the second day of his trial. - Brazil superstar Neymar said his manager father always handled his contracts as he took the stand at his trial over alleged irregularities in his transfer to Barcelona in 2013. He also said he did not remember if he took part in the negotiations which led to an agreement sealed in 2011 with Barcelona over his transfer two years later to the Catalan side from Brazilian club Santos.
(Image credit: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United are in advanced talks to bring Neymar to Old Trafford – with Casemiro playing a role in the deal, according to one report in France.

Neymar became the world's most expensive player when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 but after six years of Champions League failure and fan dissent, things have turned sour for the Brazilian. Recently, 100 fans gathered outside his house chanting "Neymar, get out", while PSG's 'Ultras' supporters’ collective have issued a statement criticising "parasite players".

The 31-year-old has not played for the Ligue 1 champions since February, when he injured his ankle in a 4-3 victory against Lille. That now appears to be his final game in France, with an exit almost certain following the furore from fans towards PSG's elite superstars.

Neymar Jr #10, Kylian Mbappe #7 and Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain pose before the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC at Parc des Princes on February 19, 2023 in Paris, France

Neymar lines up with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi ahead of the league game against Lille (Image credit: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

According to French outlet L'Equipe, the Brazilian is now in "advanced talks" to join Manchester United's Brazilian revolution, which has seen Casemiro and Antony move to Old Trafford in the last 12 months.

Furthermore, Casemiro has reportedly been conversing with his Selecao colleague to convince him of the project that United are building under Erik ten Hag. The pair have both been members of Brazil's last two World Cup squads and know each other well from almost a decade of international duty with one another. 

While Neymar would likely be interested in playing Champions League football next season, however – United need just one result against either Chelsea or Fulham at home to qualify – whether the superstar would be of interest to Ten Hag is another matter.

The Dutchman has already ousted Cristiano Ronaldo from his squad, believing the forward didn't press with enough intensity – and Neymar has been criticised of a similar lack of work ethic at PSG. United have plenty of areas in the team to fix this summer and with their Player of the Season, Marcus Rashford, preferring a left-wing berth, there may not be an obvious place in the side for another player in that position. 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag walks off at halftime during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on April 08, 2023 in Manchester, England.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may not want Neymar, despite the links (Image credit: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

United have an issue with the age profile of their squad, too. With so many key players in their side either approaching 30 or past that threshold, bringing an older player in Neymar might be counterintuitive, when many stars linked with a move – such as Mohammed Kudus and Goncalo Ramos – are under 25.

Neymar is valued at €70 million by Transfermarkt

More Manchester United stories

The rumour mill is ticking over when it comes to new faces at Old Trafford. Two Brighton stars have been linked, with another two Bundesliga players rumoured.

Three big names have been linked with exits, however, while James Ward-Prowse is reportedly on the midfield shortlistGoncalo Ramos is a target and Bruno Fernandes might yet leave

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.