Opinion: Two Players who could fill the Neymar void at Barcelona

Barcelona are facing the prospect of losing on their star performers this summer with Neymar seemingly considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The former French champions are prepared to activate the player’s hefty £195m release clause this summer, and this leaves the Catalan giants in a precarious position ahead of the new season. According to The Sunday Times, the move could be finalised in the upcoming week with the player’s father having intentionally held up the deal in order to bag his £23.3 commission. Neymar Sr. managed to convince his son to ink a fresh contract last October, and Barcelona are under the obligation to pay the sum – with the transfer likely to be finalised after the July 31 deadline. With Neymar on the cusp of sealing a switch to Paris, we at Calcio Insider peak into two players, who could fill the void left by the former Santos graduate.

Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool: The Reds midfielder has been an annually link with Barcelona, but the interest seems more concrete this time around. The Brazilian is a close friend of Neymar, but he would nevertheless enjoy the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Coutinho only inked a fresh five-and-a-half year deal back in January, and Liverpool are expected to play hardball over negotiations unless Barcelona pay up at least half of Neymar’s valuation. Coutinho enjoyed his best campaign at Anfield last term where he notched 13 goals and seven assists.

Paulo Dybala – Juventus: Already slated as one of Argentina’s finest young talents, Dybala would be the perfect companion for Lionel Messi. The former Palermo man has moved a long way during his short time at Juventus, and he is currently indispensable to the squad, Nevertheless, Barcelona could cough up a huge amount that the Old Lady could find it hard to refuse for the young maestro. The 23-year-old has bagged 42 goals in his two seasons in Turin, but he still has some work to do with the national side for whom he has yet to find the net.

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