New Trouble for PSG as $242M Neymar Signing Draws Investigation Over Influence Peddling

In the summer of 2017, Paris Saint-Germain changed the course of transfer windows. The French club broke all records by signing Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. from FC Barcelona for a $242 million world-record fee. While the most expensive transfer has even left for Saudi Arabia, dark clouds have surrounded the Parisian club as an investigation looms over the club. The club has already been under scrutiny over Financial Fair Play (FFP).

As per reports from the Argentinian newspaper Diario Ole, the acquisition of Neymar by PSG is under scrutiny for potential influence peddling. The former vice president of the National Assembly is the center of attention for France’s judicial authorities, who suspect that schemes may have been orchestrated to secure tax benefits for PSG in the humongous payment to Barcelona for Neymar’s signing. While there’s no clarity on the punishment, if guilty, the Ligue 1-based club will be in serious trouble. On the other hand, it can be a mere allegation.

Either way, it certainly brings PSG into the negative limelight. The suspicion remained in the air after the Qatari-backed club signed Kylian Mbappe a year later for $180 million from Monaco. The UEFA’s Financial Fair Play has earlier questioned President Nasser Al-Khelaifi over both signing’s funding. Speaking of Mbappe, the lethal striker has given a new headache to his employers.

Kylian Mbappe loses his super-high market valuation!

Reports state that Kylian Mbappe’s market worth has significantly decreased. According to Football Benchmark, the 24-year-old’s current value is $167 million, a 34% reduction from his peak projected worth of $255 million between July 2022 and October 2022. Players’ market values are depreciated due to several factors other than performance, such as age, club allegiance, and length of contract.

READ MORE: “You Will See the End…” – Ethan & Kylian Mbappe Extend Support to Presnel Kimpembe After Terrible Injury Exiled 28YO From PSG for Months

Additionally, Kylian Mbappe’s contract expiration date has been considered a crucial element in the present estimation. This circumstance gives Real Madrid a big edge, as they can now potentially capture the player at a significantly reduced cost, especially given the rejection of the previous $272 million offer in previous transfer windows. Either way, it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos further pursues a deal or not.

What are your thoughts on PSG’s latest troubles? Let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space