It was a short but intense relationship.

The ‘bromance’ between ‘golden boy’ 메이저사이트 Lee Kang-in and ‘superstar’ Neymar, which came to an unfortunate end, also caught the attention of overseas media. On July 16 (KST), Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported, “Neymar said goodbye to many players when he left PSG, and one of the most prominent was Lee Kang-in, who had been close to Neymar recently. Lee joined PSG in early July and has been a frequent feature on Neymar’s social media since then. ‘PSG Talk’, a website specializing in PSG news, also reported that ‘Lee and Neymar developed a bromance during pre-season. But when he leaves for Al-Hilal in the summer, it will be all about the memories they made. Neymar made a lot of people emotional by responding to Lee’s messages. Italy’s Tuttomercato Web said: “Lee has fulfilled his dream of arriving at PSG and playing alongside the stars, and his relationship with Neymar is particularly special. Their bromance continues even from afar. Neymar responded immediately to Lee’s messages.

On his social media, Lee Kang-in wrote, “It was a short but special time for me. I’m so grateful and wish you all the best,” and Neymar replied, “It was short, but you’re already in my heart. See you later, son.

Photo Credit: Al Hilal

Photographer=Al Hilal
Neymar eventually left PSG. His destination was Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Al Hilal officially announced Neymar’s departure on the club’s official social media accounts on April 16. The transfer fee and salary were not disclosed, but they are astronomical. Fabrizio Romano, one of the most respected authorities on the European transfer market, wrote on social media, “The transfer fee is just under €100 million. Neymar will earn a record $300 million (approximately 406 billion won) over two years. There is no contract extension clause. Neymar’s salary could potentially rise to $400 million (approximately KRW 534.2 billion) by 2025, depending on bonus clauses and commercial deals. That’s more than double what was originally reported.

PSG also announced Neymar’s departure. ‘Neymar wowed the fans at the Parc des Princes with his incredible skills,’ PSG said. Neymar has also made history with the Brazilian national team. He scored 77 goals in 124 appearances, tying him with Pele as the country’s top scorer. PSG President Nasser El-Khelaifi added: “It is always difficult to say goodbye to a player of Neymar’s caliber, one of the best players in the world, and I will never forget what he has brought to our club and our project over the past six years, from the day he arrived at PSG. We have created great moments, and Neymar will be part of our history. I want to thank Neymar and his family and wish him all the best for his next adventure.”

Photo Credit: Al Hilal

Photo: Al Hilal
Neymar’s departure from PSG was first reported by L’Equipe. On Aug. 8, L’Equipe tweeted, “Neymar wants to leave PSG. Neymar told the PSG hierarchy last Sunday that he wants to leave Paris this summer’. Neymar’s preferred destination is his hometown club, Barcelona. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol said: ‘Neymar has said he wants to leave PSG this summer. Neymar has three years left on his current contract. Neymar wants to return to Barcelona. Neymar’s return has been linked to Ousmane Dembele. PSG want to sign him as their new striker. They’re pretty close. PSG are planning to pay Dembele’s buyout clause to sign him. Sport says: “Barcelona want to fill Dembele’s void with Neymar. There is also talk of a loan. Neymar wants to return to Barcelona, but coach Xavi Hernandez is lukewarm. Dembele’s departure could change his mind.

PSG have opened up the possibility of selling Neymar. The situation surrounding Neymar is not good. On September 9, Sky Sports reported that “PSG will listen to offers for Neymar. They will consider bids as low as £50 million ($83.9 billion) and as high as £80 million ($134.2 billion), depending on which club it is,” Sky Sports reported. ‘PSG hierarchy have been informed of Neymar’s desire to leave, with three years left on his contract. Neymar is not considered a key player under new coach Luis Enrique, and PSG has left the door open to a sale as it looks to focus on building a young and promising team. “We will listen to offers from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the United States and Europe,” he added.

Photo Credit=Alhilal

Photo caption=Alhilal
However, Neymar’s father was quick to hit back at calls for Neymar to leave PSG. “I can’t confirm news that doesn’t exist,” Neymar Senior told Brazilian outlet PL Brasil, calling the French outlet L’Equipe “L’Efake” for publishing the transfer request. It means “lying media,” which would be about the same as “regura” in Korean. Neymar senior cast doubt on the reports, saying that they “must have come from somewhere and had an agenda.”

In addition, Spanish media outlets have pointed out that Neymar’s return to Barcelona is not realistic. Javi Miguel of Diario As said: “Xavi doesn’t want Neymar. It’s not for performance reasons. It’s for complex reasons related to the dressing room. Xavi wants to create a ‘family’ bond within the team. Neymar doesn’t fit into that plan. Football España also said it would be a loan move at best.

However, PSG have moved in. According to France’s RMC Sport, “PSG president Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique have called in five players and informed them that they are no longer part of the PSG project”. The five players are Marco Verratti, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Bernat, Hugo Ekitiqe, and Neymar. RMC Sports reports that “Neymar missed PSG’s last training session. He was also not invited to the media day for the official photos. All five of the aforementioned players, as well as Kylian Mbappe, who has been in conflict with the club, were excluded from the official photo shoot. They are likely to miss the opening match against Lorient on the 13th. RMC Sports also reported that “it is unlikely that the players will be named in the starting lineup for the opener.

Photo by Alhilal

Photo: Alhilal
Neymar had initially declared his intention to stay at PSG. “I will stay at Paris Saint-Germain regardless of the love of the fans,” Neymar said in an interview on March 20. Neymar has been criticized by fans for his frequent injuries. This summer, he received offers from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Saudi Arabia. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar has become a love-hate relationship despite his demonic talent.

“I want to play for PSG this season, I have a contract with PSG. No one has said anything to me so far,” Neymar said, “I am calm even if there is not much affection between the fans and the players. I will stay at PSG regardless of the love.”

Neymar suffered an ankle injury in February and underwent surgery. “The process was very painful and difficult, but I’m trying to make a good comeback. Obviously, winning is part of the goal, but I want to play well again, that’s the first goal,” Neymar said.

Photo by Alhilal

Photo: Alhilal
But the tide has turned. ‘Neymar believes he has been left out of Luis Enrique’s plans as PSG build a new team,’ says Solhekol. PSG are also open to selling Neymar to build a younger squad. ‘PSG want to build a younger team with mainly French players,’ he said. Since being acquired by Qatar Capital, PSG has made a name for itself by signing global superstars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. It’s similar to Real Madrid’s Galactico policy. However, they are now looking to build a long-term team with a focus on young players.

‘PSG want to end the galactico culture,’ says Solhekol. The future of PSG is not centered on players like Mbappe or Neymar, but on players like Dembele and Gonzalo Higuain. PSG wants players who are committed to the team. Neymar is the past, not the future.

‘Foreign media took notice’ Neymar’s ‘bromance’ with Al-Hilal ends, Lee Kang-in “Short but special meeting” – Neymar “See you soon son”