Real Madrid: 5 players we’re glad Florentino Perez never signed
5. Neymar Jr
The last name on this list is a player, who was once considered to be one of the best players on the planet, Neymar Jr.
In 2013, Real Madrid and their arch-rivals FC Barcelona battled it out for the Brazilian winger, who almost signed for Los Blancos as a 13-year-old. He ultimately joined the Blaugrana in a 57.1 million euro deal (which was later revealed to be 88.3 million euros after an investigation). Florentino Perez had to taste defeat, and Barcelona fans enjoyed this victory over Real Madrid in the same way they celebrate every other minor victory. There is an argument from a lot of fans that Florentino Perez signed Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Reinier Jesus in his quest to find the next Neymar.
Neymar grew up to be one of the best players in the world at Barca, and left for PSG in a world-record move in 2017, after winning 3 LaLIga titles and 1 UEFA Champions League title. He indeed had a great time in Barcelona, and a lot of people back then talked about how Real Madrid missed out on the future in Neymar.
But in reality, Real Madrid has been better off without Neymar. The Santos academy graduate is a natural left-winger, and there is no way in which both he and a Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime could’ve been accommodated in the same XI.
Since the club couldn’t sign the Brazilian, they spent that money on Gareth Bale, a right-winger who fit into the Real Madrid side like a glove. The Welshman proved to be a successful signing for Madrid, as he formed the fantastic BBC trio with Benzema and Cristiano. He played a highly important role in Real Madrid’s four successful Champions League campaigns between 2013/14 and 2017/18, and will also leave a better legacy than Neymar.
Next. Ranking the best players in Real Madrid history. dark
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In Neymar’s career at Paris Saint-Germain, there hasn’t been any positive apart from his great individual stats, as doubts regarding Neymar’s seriousness and dedication to the sport keep increasing every year. Maybe things could’ve been different if he joined Real Madrid, but still, I feel that the club have been way better without Neymar when compared to the imaginary situation of Real Madrid with an ideal Neymar.