Neymar Next Club Odds: Chelsea lead the race for Brazilian superstar's signature

Neymar's career has largely been one doused in controversy: between the saga over his alleged transfer fee from Santos to Barcelona, his notorious reputation as a "whiny brat" and "shameless simulator" on the football field and being the poster boy for the game's descent into money-oriented madness, it's fair to say he's a player who invokes a strong reaction from fans.

But like him or loathe him, there's little argument to be had about him being an exceptional footballer who most would openly welcome into their football club.

This summer, the speculation surrounding his departure from Paris St. Germain has intensified, with rumours stating that both club and player are unhappy with the current situation.

As a result, we've looked at his next club odds courtesy of Paddy Power, listing the prices for his potential destinations and providing some insight into the likelihood of each transfer materialising.

Chelsea - 5/1

Heading the market are Chelsea who stand as the 5/1 favourites to save Neymar from his PSG nightmare and bring him over to the Premier League.

Romelu Lukaku's move to Inter Milan appears to be all but announced at the time of writing, leaving a vacant forward position needing to be filled at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are realistically only a handful of clubs that could afford the Brazilian's colossal wages in addition to any astronomical fee the French club might slap on him.

Ambitions of challenging the top two in England would also be on Neymar's quota for signing, and you feel that a marquee signing like this could be the box Chelsea need to tick in order to make the jump to that level.

Barcelona - 14/1

Next up in the betting are Neymar's former team Barcelona, who are one of four clubs sitting at 14/1 in the market.

Back in 2017, PSG broke the world record fee to sign the Brazilian from Catalonia in a move worth €222 million; making him the most expensive player of all time.

Neymar made 123 appearances across four years at the Nou Camp, scoring 68 times while cementing himself in one of the undisputed great forward lineups ever, alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

If Barcelona can strike up a deal, it may indicate a return to their former transfer strategy of frivolously spending without any regard for financial consequence. However, the reality appears to be that the club are far too cash strapped to make this one happen in the first place.

Newcastle - 14/1

Speaking of select clubs who could tangibly package together a deal for a player of Neymar's worth, Newcastle have now added themselves to that list.

The Brazilian is no stranger to chasing money, which many cite when referring to his switch from Barcelona to PSG.

Eddie Howe's side have expectedly had countless names linked, and also currently sit at 14/1. But after the permanent signing of Matt Targett and the £10m purchase of Nick Pope, the Magpies seem to be going about their business differently than most state-owned clubs initially do.

You've got to think that the Toon's ambitions are ones that will match that of a player like Neymar's, but it's whether or not at aged 30 he wants to spend the twilight years of his career as part of a project than something closer to the finished article.

Real Madrid - 14/1

Alternatively, if returning to Spain and becoming one of over 30 players to make the dreaded switch and playing for both giants in the country appeals, then Real Madrid could be a suitor.

Los Blancos are the third club to pose a 14/1 chance, which actually only means a 6.7% chance of the transfer happening in probability terms. Although if Neymar wants a trophy haul in his remaining years at the top of the game, this could well be the best option afforded to him.

Entering the 22/23 campaign as La Liga champions, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup winners, there feels like a certain restoration at Madrid following a brief spell of mediocrity.

The same questions over financing can be aimed at Real, which would be the real stumbling block. But having missed out on deals for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe this summer, the implications over financial security are there.

Closing out the betting are Juventus at 14/1 also, with two further Premier League options in Liverpool at 22/1 and Arsenal at 33/1 available.