"I like the playing style and the teams" - When Neymar Jr named the four Premier League clubs he would sign for

Neymar Jr once named four Premier League clubs he would sign for if given a chance. It is worth noting that the Brazilian legend has never played in the Premier League so far.

Neymar's career in Europe began with a successful stint at Barcelona (2013-2017) as he won the continental treble in the 2014-15 season. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, he formed one of the greatest attacking trios of all time in football, often called MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar). In 186 outings for La Blaugrana across competitions, the Brazilian star recorded 105 goals and 76 assists.

In 2017, Neymar Jr joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly for a record transfer fee of €222 million. He recorded 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances across competitions for the French outfit before joining Al-Hilal in 2023.

However, the Selecao superstar remained out of the pitch for a year since joining the Saudi Arabian side owing to an ACL injury. Upon his return, he picked up a new hamstring injury in his second game in the AFC Champions League against Esteghlal FC on November 4.

In an interview with The Sun in 2017, Neymar Jr named four Premier League clubs he would like to join. The legendary forward was still at Barcelona at that time. He said (via SPORTBible):

"The Premier League is a championship that amazes me. I like the playing style and the teams. And who knows? Someday, I would like to play [in] it, yes. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool - these are the teams that are always there fighting."

It is unlikely for Neymar to return to Europe or play in the Premier League at this point in his career especially due to his injury woes. As per multiple reports, Al-Hilal are looking to prematurely terminate the Brazil international's contract in January 2025. Neymar Jr has reportedly been linked to MLS side Inter Miami and former club Santos as his possible next destinations.

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"It would bring a lot of joy to fans" - When former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva wanted Neymar Jr to join the North London club

Neymar Jr - Source: Getty

In a June 2024 interview with Bet365, former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva mentioned that he would love to see Neymar Jr representing the Gunners in the Premier League. He said (via GOAL):

“I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure. It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special."

He added:

"When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world and to have him around would be great. Let's see. It's not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not."

Owing to his injury woes, Neymar has made only seven appearances for Al-Hilal, recording one goal and three assists. It remains to be seen where he heads next season.

There is no doubt that Arsenal would have benefitted from a signing of the Brazilian's stature considering his natural talent and popularity. However, the move remains unlikely due to his high salary demands and serious injury woes.