Premier League XI that would cost less than £197 million Neymar

Neymar is on h
Neymar is on his way to Paris

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are almost set to announce Neymar's £197 million move. The Brazilian, one of Europe's hottest talents, has been a key player in Barcelona's recent success, part of the famous MSN front three.

His best display in a Barcelona shirt came in the 6-1 thumping of PSG, with the Catalans pulling off the greatest ever comeback in Champions League history, overcoming a 4-0 deficit from the first leg.

Neymar could arguably transform PSG into a fierce force in Europe and on a personal front, he could potentially become the best player in the world, overtaking Messi and Ronaldo.

However, is he worth all that money? Here is a full Premier League outfit, that the French side could buy for less.


GK: Asmir Begovic, Chelsea to Bournemouth - £10 million

Chelsea v Watford - Premier League

Bournemouth announced their first signing of the summer from Chelsea as the 29-year-old put pen to paper on a long term deal.

It was with the Potters that Begovic rose to fame, making 173 appearances over five and a half seasons, before moving to Chelsea in 2015.

Regardless of his stellar reputation in the Premier League then, he had to play second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois. Having made only 19 PL appearances, with majority of those coming due to the big Belgian being unavailable or injured.

However, at only 29, many could argue he's only just entering his prime.

Not only that, who can forget his infamous goal against Southampton?

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Defence

RB: Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City to West Ham, Free

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Having been released by Manchester City, West Ham were quick to recruit him on a 2-year deal, making him their first major summer signing.

Zabaleta's arrival will push Sam Byram down the pecking order while forgotten man Alvaro Arbeloa is set to leave the club. He's got loads of Premier League experience having made more than 300 appearances for City, winning two Premier League titles and an FA Cup.


CB: Victor Lindelof, Benfica to Manchester United - £30 million

The Swede, likened to former United defender Rio Ferdinand, is comfortable with the ball at his feet
The Swede, likened to former United defender Rio Ferdinand, is comfortable with the ball at his feet

Victor Lindelof was Manchester United's first signing of the summer, having put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with the option of extending another year. Nicknamed the 'Iceman', Lindelof brings with himself a number of assets that would benefit any team.

The Swede, likened to former United defender Rio Ferdinand, is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Lindelof also boasts an impressive pace and has great mobility.


CB: Michael Keane, Burnley to Everton - £25 million

KRC Genk v Everton: Pre-Season Friendly

Having gone a spending spree this summer, Everton have roped in some incredibly talented players. One of which is Michael Keane on a five-year deal.

The 24-year-old's strengths include his calmness in possession and his ability to win aerial duels. His credibility is highlighted by some incredible stats from last season.

He had the fourth highest numbers when it came to clearances, blocks and interceptions.

Ranked number one for successful aerial duels, his calmness is further reiterated as he was ranked third in the number of touches in the box for a defender and registered just three short of most shots in the opposition box by a defender.


LB: Sead Kolasinac, Schalke to Arsenal - Free

Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina: Group F - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina: Group F - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Arriving in North London, the 23-year-old reckons his versatility will be key in regard of Arsene Wenger switching to a 3-4-2-1 formation in the latter stages of the league.

Kolasinac played a key pass every 90 minutes last season, outperforming Arsenal defenders in that regard.

A free transfer with bags of potential almost feels like a steal in today's inflated market.

Midfield

CM: Vicente Iborra, Sevilla to Leicester City, £12 million

Burton Albion v Leicester City - Pre-Season Friendly

Leicester City made their second major transfer move of the summer with the signing of Sevilla midfielder Vicente Iborra for a reported fee of £12 million.

Having featured for Sevilla as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder, along with a few appearances at central defence, Iborra will certainly offer Shakespeare plenty of versatility.

Iborra is very strong in the air – he won 64% of his aerial duels last season – and will provide a different kind of threat for the Foxes.


CM: Davy Klaassen, Ajax to Everton, £23.6 million

Everton v MFK Ruzomberok - UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round: First Leg

The 24-year-old Dutch international put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Toffees.

Last season, Klaassen enjoyed a hugely successful campaign, playing an important role in Ajax reaching the Europa League final and finishing second place in the Eredivisie, missing out to winners Feyenoord by a lone point.


CM: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United to Everton, Free

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Wayne Rooney. Manchester United's all time top goal scorer and England's all time top goal scorer. These are just two of the numerous accolades he's gone to win through his illustrious career.

Although still only 31-years-old, his decline as an attacking force has been astonishing. Bought as a striker, however, his versatility allows him to play in numerous roles for the team's benefit. Hence, a deeper role, perhaps in the now traditional number 10 position, beckons.

Rooney's presence at Everton could also result in the younger players thriving under his counsel.

Forwards

LW: Mohamed Salah, Roma to Liverpool - £34.7 million

Liverpool FC v Leicester City FC: Premier League Asia Trophy

Liverpool secured their second signing of the summer with the arrival of Mohamed Salah on a five-year deal. Salah's main strengths are his blistering pace and mesmeric dribbling ability, while his decision making in the final third has improved remarkably during his stay in Italy.

His versatility means he's capable of playing anywhere on the front three.

Despite a bad spell at Chelsea, a return to the Premier League after his time in Italy could be a blessing in disguise.


RW: Sandro Ramirez, Malaga to Everton - £5.2 million

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Everton's busy summer in the transfer window continued with the arrival of Sandro Ramirez from Malaga on a four-year deal.

Spanish football expert David Cartlidge outlined some of Sandro’s main strengths – his goalscoring instincts, the ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play.


CF: Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon to Arsenal - £46.5 million

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Known for not spending a lot, Arsene Wenger splashed out a club record bid to land Ligue 1 sensation Alexandre Lacazette.

His pace, work-rate and ability to run the channels will allow Arsenal to press from the front more efficiently – tellingly, Lacazette registered 31 successful tackles last term, more than any forward in the Premier League.

Hence, the trio of Alexis, Lacazette, and Ozil could set the Prem on fire, and may fire Arsenal to the title.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava
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