Zinedine Zidane has tipped world football’s transfer fees to reach eye-watering new levels amid reports Real Madrid is considering a mega-money move for Neymar.
Brazil international Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222 million ($273 million) deal in August, Beinsports.com reported.
The 26-year-old has since been linked with a return to Spain, with speculation the Ligue 1 leader could allow him to leave for almost double the amount they paid.
Zidane, who was most expensive player yet when he joined Madrid from Juventus in 2001, believes spending records will continue to be set.
“I think I cost €70-72 million ($86-89 million) back in my day. I thought that was crazy back then,” Zidane told reporters on Friday. Maybe in another 10 years, it will be €400 million ($493 million), or even before that.”
“Neymar is a very good player. He could play at any club,” Zidane added.
Madrid beat a PSG side missing an injured Neymar in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday to confirm a place in the quarterfinals.
The comprehensive 5-2 aggregate victory keeps Los Blancos on course to win the competition for a third successive season, but Zidane insists he is not thinking of a hat-trick in Europe’s elite club competition.
“I am only focusing on the La Liga games,” he said. “In April we will have time to look ahead and focus on the Champions League. We enjoy the Champions League, we are focused and we are going to give 100% throughout the tournament.”
Regretting PSG Move
Neymar is eying a sensational return to Spain after admitting he made a mistake joining Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
The Brazilian quit the Nou Camp in August in a world-record transfer to the Parc des Princes.
Neymar has smashed 28 goals in 29 games for his new club but has been constantly linked with a move back to La Liga to join Real Madrid or even Barcelona.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Neymar has issued an SOS to his former teammates and Nou Camp chiefs and is keen to cut short his stay in Paris where he is under contract until 2022.
It is claimed the forward only wanted to leave the Catalans in a bid to emerge from Lionel Messi’s shadow, while he has been underwhelmed by the standard in Ligue 1.
Neymar has been urged to stay put by some of his new teammates but is believed to be eying a return to Spain in 2019.
However, it has been reported elsewhere that the Parisians could be forced to cash in on the Samba Boy to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
The former Santos star, who is currently sidelined through injury, missed the Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
But he took to social media after the game to tell his team mates how proud he was of their display.
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