Fernando Orsi has no problem with the Brazilian making a record-breaking move to France as his popularity makes him deserving of a big-money deal
Neymar’s popularity makes him more deserving of big money than the likes of pop star Beyonce, says ex-Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Orsi.
The Brazilian currently finds himself at the centre of a transfer saga which could be about to make him the most expensive footballer of all time.
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With Paris Saint-Germain willing to meet the €222 million release clause in his Barcelona contract, the 25-year-old is expected to make his way to the France capital.
He will be handsomely rewarded for the switch, with a lucrative contract awaiting him, but Orsi sees no reason why such deals should be questioned as there are plenty of others making much more from the world of entertainment.
He told Radio Radio: “Neymar has a massive following around the world and €30m-a-year may be a little low for a player of his profile.
“Beyonce is a singer and is very rich after amassing a massive global following.
“Why does a player like Neymar not earn as much as Beyonce? She earns more as a singer than Neymar, but for me the Brazilian has greater popularity.”
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Neymar is reported to have agreed a five-year contract with PSG, as he waits on the formalities of a move to be completed.
There has, however, been a fresh twist in the saga, with La Liga rejecting payment of the Brazilian’s release clause amid concerns regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
That leaves the deal in limbo for now, with Neymar, Barcelona and PSG all waiting to discover whether a record-breaking transfer can actually be pushed through.