play
Why Neymar could be stuck at PSG (1:23)

Thiago Silva said that he wanted to join him at a new club. There is a time and a place for it.

7:00 AM ET

Despite being one of the world's most recognisable footballers, and one with an incredible goal- scoring record, the Brazil forward has become the superstar that nobody seems to know about.

Signing the 30-year-old is something that makes little or no sense to every club that could afford him.

An automatic 12-month extension to his contract will be triggered on July 1st, meaning that he is committed to the French champions until his mid 30s.

- O'Hanlon: Trades work in U.S. sports, so why not in soccer? (E+)

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

It has become an open secret within the game that the world's most expensive player, Neymar, is available for a loan or permanent move during this transfer window, with sources saying that Paris Saint-Germain would happily sell him.

Despite the huge wealth of the club's owners, there is still a need for the club to project the image of being run as a viable business, so decreasing the wage bill is a necessity.

According to sources, the former Spurs coach wanted to impose stricter rules about off-field conduct at the club, but he was frustrated by the soft treatment of the Brazilian. Tuchel tried to get the best out of the player by using a blunt and honest approach to motivate him.

Over the past three years, his contribution has been disappointing. He has scored 35 goals in three seasons in the French top flight. When he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain five years ago, he was signed to be the talisman of the competition, but he hasn't quite lived up to that promise.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar should be at the peak of his powers, but his future has never looked so uncertain. John Berry/Getty Images

It's clear that he's going to be moved on by Paris Saint-Germain because they think he's not good enough to compete with the likes of Messi and Mbappe. The lack of an obvious destination for the Brazilian is a reflection of the state of the game today and how he has become a symbol of a different age.

Despite all of his injury problems, the 30-year-old Brazilian is still young enough to have at least four more years at the highest level. He has scored 205 goals in 330 appearances for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with 136 assists, since moving to Europe. The five-time World Cup winner has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else.

When compared to the two modern greats who have always overshadowed him, Neymar's record pales in significance, so he may not get the recognition he deserves. As a result, his own reputation has been damaged, because he has been more affected by off-field distraction than Messi andRonaldo. The party-loving flair player who can infuriate fans, coaches and teammates alike with his approach to the game is still regarded as the party-loving flair player by many people.

It's surprising that Paris Saint-Germain aren't able to find a club that will take him off their hands. With the modern game demanding that every player works harder than ever, it makes him a luxury that the top teams can't do without.

He wouldn't fit in with the requirements for a player that Manchester City has. The determination of the new coach to re-focus on football means that the wrong player will be signed by Manchester United. It's the same story for leading Italian clubs such as AC Milan and Inter Milan, who couldn't afford him, and it's the same story for leading European clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, who couldn't afford him.

The financial situation makes it impossible for Barcelona to bring back the player who helped them win a fifth European title. It would be a humiliation if Real Madrid failed to sign Mbappe, as they would have to pay the France forward's new contract in order to get rid of the Brazilian. The team has other priorities and it would be an interesting decision by Tuchel if he decided to sell the club.

They may end up being stuck with each other in an ongoing relationship that doesn't work for them If you're too expensive and don't fit into the modern game, it's hard to see a way out for him.