Real Madrid

Former Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has detailed the role he played in blocking Neymar from joining Real Madrid as a youngster, paying the player's father $1 million to remain in Brazil.

It's well-known Neymar—currently at Paris Saint-Germain—spent time on trial with Real in 2005 before he was convinced to stay at Santos, but Teixeira told AS' Eduardo Cornago of the specific details:

"Neymar was blown away by the 'Galacticos', but in time we were able to get hold of his father and make him an offer that earned him a million dollars. He quickly accepted. My whole board of directors told me I was out of my mind, but we all knew Neymar was something special. Keeping him was essential to Santos, and to what the side went on to achieve with him at the centre of it. It was a difficult decision that I had to make on my own, but it was what had to be done at that moment in time."

Neymar, 27, has been linked with Los Blancos this summer, though ESPN FC reported former club Barcelona are poised to escalate their interest in re-signing the player:

Barcelona will make an offer to sign Neymar on loan from PSG this week with an option to make the deal permanent next summer, sources have told ESPN FC. pic.twitter.com/whsydPitMJ

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 19, 2019

The Brazilian was 13 when Robinho moved to Madrid from Santos in 2005, and his career could have turned out a lot differently had Neymar made the jump to Europe that summer. He established a superstar reputation in the Brasileiro Serie A, eventually joining Barca in 2013.

Teixeira added that Santos and Real weren't on great terms at the time: "Santos' relationship with Real Madrid was problematic at that time because of Robinho's departure. But in the end we kept hold of our rights [to Neymar] and relations were fine after that."

It's common knowledge the South American is no longer happy at PSG. Manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged the potential departure but recently told reporters the player won't leave unless a replacement is signed. 

It's a far cry from the deep bonds he built at Barcelona and Santos, showing particular emotion when he left his boyhood club six years ago, via Goal:

Teixeira continued to praise his old club's former talisman: "Neymar is one of the best players in the world due to his individual talent. I believe he has the gift to compete with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm sure that will happen. His agents will advise him well."

Neymar joined PSG in 2017 for a world-record €222 million, and any club hoping to sign him must offer a deal worth as close to that figure as possible to convince his French employers to sell.

The forward comes with baggage, however, which beIN Sports recently discussed following PSG's 2-1 defeat at Rennes in their second Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday:

If #Neymar wanted to play at your club would you take him? #beINLigue1 #SRFCPSG pic.twitter.com/TokOlwVeoo

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 19, 2019

Real have already added Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Rodrygo Goes to their attack this summer, and a lack of recent activity from their side suggests a deal for Neymar won't materialise anytime soon.

Gareth Bale made a successful return to Real Madrid's XI as they began La Liga with a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday

After, the player received plaudits from team-mates Casemiro and Thibaut Courtois.

Bale, 30, started in the visit to Celta despite a rocky summer of transfer speculation and assisted Karim Benzema for the opening goal. The Welshman played 75 minutes as Los Blancos began their league campaign with a win on the board, and Bale's contribution didn't go unnoticed.

Casemiro spoke to reporters after the result and said: "He [Bale] has given us titles, he's scored in finals and he has a lot of respect from us all. He has to play. He's a great player and is very important for us."

Zinedine Zidane's return as Real manager in March was considered by some to be the beginning of the end for Bale at the Santiago Bernabeu. The pair are said to share a frosty relationship, and Zidane appeared in favour of an exit in July when he said he it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left soon.

Around one month later, Zidane's attitude towards an exit appears to have drastically changed. He spoke at a press conference following Real's victory and said Bale would be staying in Madrid this season, via Sky Sports:

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Gareth Bale will be staying at the club now, after he inspired Real Madrid's victory against Celta Vigo yesterday.

Match report: https://t.co/aNZTaYMBZk pic.twitter.com/tcesm9ADxO

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 18, 2019

AFP's Tom Allnutt noted the tactician also showed appreciation on the sideline:

Bale off for Isco with 15 left, Zidane gives him a hand slap and a pat on the chest. Lovely. 0-2, 75.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) August 17, 2019

Like Casemiro, those fighting in Bale's corner in Madrid have cited his record of scoring in important matches and helping Real clinch titles during his six-year stay as reason why he should remain.

His scissor-kick volley against Liverpool in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final—when Real won 3-1—is largely considered one of the best European goals in history:

Bale remaining at Real thus far can also be attributed in part to the fact he earns a reported £350,000 per week after tax. Attracting a buyer to take on a player of Bale's age with such high cost is difficult, and agent Jonathan Barnett said in July the player could well see out his contract until 2022.

Courtois added: "He is an important player and played a great match. Everyone loves him and it is important that he plays for us. We are so happy with Bale."

Praise from Real's goalkeeper is particularly encouraging after Courtois has been critical of his team-mate in the past.

The former Chelsea stopper said in February that Real's squad nicknamed Bale "The Golfer" due to the amount of time he spends away from football golfing. Courtois also highlighted he found it odd the Wales winger has a strict bedtime rather than socialising with his team-mates.

Bale had no problem revelling in Real's success alongside his squadmates Saturday:

Vamos! Great start to the season! ⚪️🔝#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/EFTthHG210

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) August 17, 2019

Barcelona lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao as their title defence got off to a faltering start, much to Real's pleasure.

Zidane and the team seem to have rallied behind Bale following the decision for him to remain in Madrid this season, preserving the talents of a player who can surely aid their silverware aspirations.

Luka Modric said the challenge on Denis Suarez that earned him a red card in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday was "accidental."

The Croat was sent off after he caught Suarez's heel with his studs in the 57th minute, and he took to Twitter to explain the foul was not intentional:

Expulsión por una acción fortuita.... en la vida haría intencionadamente una entrada así a un compañero. ¡Totalmente involuntaria!🤷🏻‍♂🤷🏻‍♂🤷🏻‍♂🤷🏻‍♂🤷🏻‍♂

— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) August 17, 2019

Per Goal's Jamie Smith, he said: "Sent off for an accidental action. In life I would never intentionally make such an action on a player. Totally involuntary!"

Modric was handed his marching orders after the referee reviewed the challenge via the video assistant referee screen.

Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos defended his team-mate but accepted the decision, per Smith:

"Everything used to protect football is good.

"Today the decision was against us. We ended up with one less man, I don't think Modric went in with bad intention but he arrived late and the referee had doubts.

"He spoke to the other officials and reached that decision. VAR's there to help us and if these decisions protect football then they are welcome."

AS' Robbie Dunne, ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan and sports journalist Jonas Giaever all felt a red card was harsh on the playmaker:

Red for Modric. Looked really, really clumsy but nothing more than that. He got away with one on Suarez earlier but obviously that shouldn't come into it. Ref didn't even take long to decide once he wen to VAR.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) August 17, 2019

Modric sent off! Janey! Did catch Suarez on his heel, but looked more like a yellow to me...

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 17, 2019

That is never a red card for Luka Modric. Clearly a yellow, but holy crap ..

— Jonas Adnan Giæver (@CheGiaevara) August 17, 2019

The 33-year-old is not accustomed to being sent off, as OptaJose demonstrated:

1 - Luca Modric has been sent off for the first time in LaLiga and for the second time as Real Madrid player (August 2014 v Atletico de Madrid in Spanish Supercopa). Premiere. pic.twitter.com/oXMR7gDawL

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 17, 2019

Those are the only two red cards of his career—for club or country.

Given Modric's game is based on his use of the ball in midfield rather than his ability to win it back for his side, it's perhaps not too surprising he's avoided disciplinary issues for the majority of his career.

He will be suspended for Madrid's match against Real Valladolid on Saturday as a result of the red card.

Although neither is a like-for-like replacement, Real boss Zinedine Zidane can call upon Isco or James Rodriguez—who started against Celta on the bench—to fill in.

While they perhaps don't offer as much control in the centre as the veteran, both are capable of making match-winning contributions.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has spoken to Gareth Bale about staying with the club this summer.

Bale has been linked with a departure from the club throughout the transfer window and came close to joining Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning in July.

Per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan, after Bale started Real's La Liga opener on Saturday, Zidane said: "We spoke before the game, two or three times, to say he was staying. Gareth's game, like all of them, was very good. He is just thinking of the new season, and playing."

Prior to the Welshman's failed move to China, Zidane said a swift exit from the Santiago Bernabeu would be best for Bale.

When asked what had changed in the intervening period, he said: "Nothing has changed. We are all now just thinking about the season. Gareth, James [Rodriguez], all the players, just want to do the best possible to defend this shirt."

Bale was a surprise starter on Saturday for Real's clash with Celta Vigo at Balaidos, helping Los Blancos to a 3-1 win. He came in for summer signing Eden Hazard, who suffered a hamstring injury in training ahead of the game.

As Corrigan noted, Bale did not start a single game in pre-season:

Bale played just 101 minutes across Madrid's six pre-season games, in three substitute apps. Did look pretty bright off bench against Roma last weekend.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 17, 2019

Despite that, he impressed from the outset, showcasing his pace in attack and a willingness to track back and prevent crosses into the box. Zidane singled out the 30-year-old and Vinicius Junior to praise them for their defensive work rate.

He assisted Karim Benzema's opener after just 12 minutes, picking out the Frenchman with a cross after some good work on the left.

As AS' Robbie Dunne observed, Bale was frequently an outlet for Real in attack:

And Bale is Madrid’s Plan A, B and C today. He’s an option every time over the top and they’re looking for him almost every time.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) August 17, 2019

Managing Madrid's Kiyan Sobhani was pleased with the Welshman's performance:

Bale in this rhythm is a huge asset. Body language looks good, he's helping Odriozola defensively, switching flanks, providing a target, making great passes. Needed this last season, but only got it a handful of times. Hope he sustains it.

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) August 17, 2019

With the transfer windows closed in China and the Premier League, and with Serie A to follow suit on Friday, there are few options left for Bale if he were to leave this summer. 

Sport reported Hazard could be out for up to a month, so after an impressive start to the campaign on Saturday, Bale has a significant opportunity to stake a claim in Zidane's team in the coming weeks.

Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow ahead of La Liga's opening weekend, confirming star forward Eden Hazard picked up a thigh injury in training on Friday. 

Los Blancos are set to begin their 2019-20 league campaign away to Celta Vigo on Saturday. However, the club's official website announced the Belgium international was being assessed following a "muscular injury to the anterior part of his right thigh."

Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws reported Hazard's hamstring injury is "not a severe one."

However, Hazard will miss the opener and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to AFP's Tom Allnutt:

Unfortunate start for Hazard. Thigh injury, say @realmadrid. Expected out for 3-4 weeks.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) August 16, 2019

Hazard, 28, could sit out up to five fixtures if he's towards the more extreme side of that estimate, including away trips to Villarreal on September 1 and Sevilla on September 21. 

It is a big blow for the player so early in his Real career, particularly given he had an excellent fitness record at Chelsea, for whom he never missed more than seven league games in a campaign. 

The former Lille star is one of Real's most potent attacking threats. He moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in June for a fee that could be worth up to £150 million after an impressive final season with Chelsea:

Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 31 #PL goals for Chelsea this season (16 goals, 15 assists)

Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have had a hand in more in a single campaign for the Blues pic.twitter.com/Awu5m7X0SW

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 6, 2019

Los Blancos have the depth to cover for him, with the likes of Luka Jovic, Karim Benzema, Isco and Vinicius Junior in the squad.

But Real should be a better team when Hazard is playing, so his return will be eagerly anticipated.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane fielded questions about Gareth Bale's future on Friday, as well as the club's reported interest in Neymar and Paul Pogba.

Los Blancos will get their 2019-20 campaign under way on the road against Celta Vigo on Saturday, with a new-look side set to take to the field following a busy summer of transfer activity.

In terms of outgoings, Zidane was quizzed about Bale and admitted he thought the Welshman was set for a summer exit. However, it appears he is set to stay at the club, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Zidane on Bale “It seemed that he was going to leave, and he is here with us now. Things can change, and now I will count on him, like the others. He has a contract, is an important player, and I hope that all the players want to make things difficult for me to pick the team.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 16, 2019

Speculation continues to persist over interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar and Manchester United midfielder Pogba too.

The Madrid boss didn't want to comment on the rumours about either player:

Zidane: “Neymar is not a Real Madrid player. The important thing is the players who are here.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 16, 2019

Zidane on Pogba: “Paul is a Manchester player and we must respect that. We are here thinking of tomorrow’s game.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 16, 2019

Zidane asked if he wants more players, for example Pogba “I am happy with my players, thinking just of tomorrow’s game. The players the same. We are ready to play a good game, we want to compete. I have the best players here, no doubt, I always say that.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 16, 2019

Bale will be a Madrid player at the start of the new campaign despite incessant links with a move away.

The Welshman appeared poised to join Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, although the deal fell through at the last minute.

With the player seemingly out of favour at Madrid under Zidane, broadcaster and writer Scott Johnson commented on the 30-year-old's situation: 

‘Wales forward Gareth Bale, 30, is prepared to bide his time on the sidelines at Real Madrid until the Chinese Super League window re-opens in November or manager Zinedine Zidane is sacked.’ What. A. Mess.

— Scott Johnson (@roathboy) August 13, 2019

In terms of possible acquisitions, even with the arrivals of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao at Madrid this summer, there's a feeling there may yet be more business to do before the Spanish transfer window closes on September 2.

Neymar and Pogba are huge names who continue to be linked with switches to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Per Corrigan and Rodrigo Faez of ESPN FC, Los Blancos players have been talking to Neymar in a bid to convince him to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with former club Barcelona also said to be interested in the Brazil international.

Spanish football journalist Andy West said signing Neymar would be a big gamble for either of La Liga's biggest outfits:

Neymar is (obviously) a world class talent like few others. Second best in the world when he's fit and in the mood. But he's also a petulant and horribly advised manchild with fitness issues. Signing him is a massive massive gamble but with a potentially huge payoff.

— Andy West (@andywest01) August 14, 2019

It would be a shock if Los Blancos were to make a successful move for Pogba, as the deadline to sign players for Premier League clubs has passed.

It means that even if Madrid were to make a massive offer for the United star, the Red Devils would not be able to bring in a replacement until January at the earliest.

The upcoming campaign is crucial for Madrid, especially after backing Zidane with huge money in the transfer market. Los Blancos finished the previous campaign without any silverware, and they were a long way off challenging Barcelona for the title too, finishing third behind the Blaugrana and local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Paul Pogba's brother Mathias has said Real Madrid shouldn't give up on signing the Manchester United star before the end of the summer transfer window. 

Los Blancos have been linked with the Frenchman throughout pre-season, with Pogba himself saying ahead of the new Premier League campaign that he would be open to taking on a new challenge.

With the transfer window now shut for English teams, it's anticipated United are unlikely to let the midfielder move on as they would be unable to sign a replacement. But speaking to El Chiringuito (h/t AS), Pogba's sibling said he thinks a deal can still be done to take the player to the Santiago Bernabeu to work under manager Zinedine Zidane.

"[President] Florentino [Perez] can still bring my brother to Madrid," he said. "... Who does Zidane really need in his team? My brother, of course. My brother, and another midfielder on top of that, I think."

Mathias, who plays for fourth-tier Spanish club CD Manchego, also said he thinks a €200 million (£182 million) valuation being placed on his brother by the Red Devils is unrealistic.

"My brother isn't worth €200 million, but that's just the way the transfer market is these days," he said. "Manchester United are going to ask for a lot of money, I'm sure, but he's not worth €200 million."

Madrid have been active in the transfer window already this summer, although they appear keen to strengthen their midfield. Per The Spanish Football Podcast, speculation emerged earlier this month saying Real will turn their attention away from Pogba and towards Ajax star Donny van de Beek:

Today’s 🇪🇸⚽️ frontpages...

🗞 Marca: “Van de Beek Yes Pogba No”

🗞 As: “Now Van de Beek believes it”

🗞 Mundo Deportivo: “Junior will sign today”

🗞 Sport: “Neymar loan”

More in the #tsfp Morning Paper Review for patrons ➡️ https://t.co/SLrR7Gpt6j pic.twitter.com/uIYzviurMg

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) August 4, 2019

At this point, it's difficult to envisage any scenario in which Pogba makes the move to the Spanish capital because he's too important to United.

The influence of the former Juventus man has been much discussed during his time at Old Trafford, but there's no doubt he is going to be the key man for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in midfield in 2019-20. 

In United's Premier League opener, Pogba showed what he can offer, as he turned on the style in the second half to set up two of his team's goals in the 4-0 win over Chelsea. Per Squawka Football, he has long been United's most creative player:

Most Premier League assists for Man Utd since 2016-17:

• Paul Pogba (25)
• Anthony Martial (13)
• Marcus Rashford (12)
• Ander Herrera (11)
• Juan Mata (10)

The perfect goodbye? pic.twitter.com/HYMeeZ6gXs

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 11, 2019

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette commented on how much emphasis there is on Pogba:

Midfield remains #MUFC's weakness. There's way too much emphasis on Pogba doing everything. McT was OK, and besides his assist, I thought AP was miles off the pace. OGS has to find a solution in terms of creativity. Room for Angel Gomes? I think so.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) August 11, 2019

Madrid's midfield struggled a little last season. The trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro have been important to the team's dominance of European football, but they all toiled at times last term.

Pogba, with his ability to burst forward and score goals, would add a different dimension to the team's play. However, United will surely resist any offer for the player at this point, meaning Madrid may have to wait until next summer to get their man.

Real Madrid travel to Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Eden Hazard set to miss out on his La Liga debut through injury.

The Belgian superstar finally arrived at his dream destination in the summer after being linked to Los Blancos for years, but Real confirmed on Friday Hazard has suffered a thigh injury.

Madrid president Florentino Perez revamped his squad in the offseason, spending in the region of €300 million (£275 million) to provide Zinedine Zidane with fresh talent.

Real ended last season third, also surrendering their UEFA Champions League crown in the round of 16 against Ajax with an embarrassing 4-1 home loss in the second leg.

                                 

Date: Saturday, August 17

Time: 5 p.m. local, 4 p.m. BST, 11 a.m. ET

TV: BeIN Sports (U.S.)

Stream: BeIN CONNECT, fuboTV

Odds (per Caesars): Celta 4-1, Madrid 8-1, draw 10-3

                    

Preview

Madrid, 33-time Spanish champions, have had a 12 months to forget.

Losing both Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo in one summer proved to be too much for the club, and they won only 22 of their 38 league games last term. The collapse triggered Zidane's return, and following this summer's spending spree, the Frenchman is charged with writing another glorious chapter in the team's history.

Hazard will believe he is the man to replace Ronaldo's magic when he returns from injury. However, his arrival hasn't seen an upturn in form. Real have appeared weak in pre-season, and a 7-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid suggests the club's issues from last term could carry over into this campaign.

According to Marca's Miguel Angel Lara, Zidane seems confident despite the lack of quality in his side's pre-season performances.

"The Madrid fans do not need to be worried—I am always positive," Zidane said. "Always. I know it is complicated because we have just finished a difficult season and because things have not started well. I know that we have a great team—what we need is to win a game. We just need that."

Into the Madrid squad this season come Eintracht Frankfurt forward Luka Jovic, teenage winger Rodrygo and defensive signings Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy. All cost large fees, but the four lack top-level experience. 

Militao impressed during his stint at Porto, but at 21, he is not the finished article. Mendy has two seasons at Lyon under his belt, but the France international will have to step up his game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Celta are a good opening opponent for Real after a lacklustre season. The Sky Blues ended last term in 17th, dodging relegation by only four points. Vigo came sixth in La Liga four seasons ago, and they should have aspirations to reach the top 10 once again. Club legend Iago Aspas remains with the team, but he is a doubt for the opening portion of the campaign after suffering a knee injury in pre-season, per Football Espana.

The 32-year-old scored nine goals in his side's final nine matches last term to secure his side's safety. His availability will be vital for Fran Escriba's side if they are to take strides back towards the European places in La Liga this term.

New arrival Denis Suarez will hope to be key in that effort. In the 2015-16 season with Villarreal, Suarez recorded four goals and six assists in 33 league appearances, but a move to Barcelona the following summer saw him reduced to a bench role. He spent last season with Barca and Arsenal, joining the Gunners on loan in January, but played a total of just 74 league minutes across six outings for both teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his admiration for Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and his man-management style. 

The Juventus forward was a key player under Zidane during the coach's first spell at the club, and he credited the Frenchman with getting the best out of him in that time.

He told DAZN (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani):

"The confidence that a player needs doesn't only come from himself but also from the players around him and the coach.

"You need to feel like you are an important part of the group and Zidane made me feel special.

"He helped me a lot. I already had a lot of respect for him but working with him made me admire him more.

"That's because of what he's like as a person, how he talks, how he led the team and how he treated me."

Zidane took charge in January 2016 and worked with Ronaldo until they both departed at the end of the 2017-18 season.

During that time, Ronaldo scored 112 goals and laid on 28 assists in 114 appearances.

His contributions played a significant role in the team winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles under Zidane, as well as La Liga in 2016-17. Ronaldo also won two of his five Ballons d'Or in that time.

After Zidane returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in March, football journalist Guillem Balague noted the difficulty of the job he faces without Ronaldo to call upon:

"It is risky for Zidane without Ronaldo"@GuillemBalague says Zidane's second spell at #RMCF is more of a challenge without Ronaldo.

Listen live 📻: https://t.co/0kUniWPgQm pic.twitter.com/7aCAn2q3K8

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 11, 2019

So too did beIN Sports' Roberto Rojas:

Zidane could’ve easily said no to Real Madrid after finishing on top with 3 Champions League, now I think is the big challenge for him to show what he is really capable of as a manager to see what he can do with a team going through a rebuilding process post Cristiano Ronaldo.

— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) March 11, 2019

Zidane took charge of Real with 11 matches remaining in La Liga, the team having already been knocked out of the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. He won just five of those and suffered four defeats.

Los Blancos' results in pre-season haven't been particularly encouraging, either. They've lost 3-1 to a 10-man Bayern Munich side, 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur and 7-3 to local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Even in victory they were defensively poor in a 5-3 win over Fenerbahce, and they only scraped past Red Bull Salzburg 1-0.

It will take time for Zidane to bed in his new signings, as the club have made four first-team acquisitions this summer—Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao.

Nevertheless, it's clear he has an enormous challenge on his hands to rebuild the team, made all the more difficult without Ronaldo.

If he can give Hazard and Jovic the same confidence he gave to Ronaldo, though, they might be able to make up for his absence between them.

Zinedine Zidane has hinted Neymar could join Real Madrid before the summer transfer window closes on Sept. 2.

According to Jack Rathborn of The Independent, the Los Blancos manager refused to rule out the arrival of the former Barcelona player in the coming weeks.

"Neymar is not [in our squad], but until September 2, anything can happen," Zidane said. "We are with the squad that we have, and we are only thinking about that."

Paris Saint-Germain might be ready to sell their superstar forward after removing products and images of the player from their club store, per AS' Jonathan Meaney.   

PSG supporters vented their anger towards Neymar on Sunday during the club's opening Ligue 1 game of the 2019/20 season. The French champions defeated Nimes 3-0, but fans held banners asking for Neymar to leave the capital, per Goal:

Seen at Parc des Princes today 👀

NEYMAR, GET OUT 😳 pic.twitter.com/t7eNvyqLEo

— GOAL (@goal) August 11, 2019

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports tweeted Neymar has been in talks with Los Blancos and his former team in the hope of securing a move back to La Liga:

Neymar has requested to Real Madrid and Barcelona a salary raise from 30m€ to 38m€ net per year.
It would make him overtake Cristiano as 2nd highest paid player in the world, only 2m€ behind Messi

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) August 12, 2019

Per Rathborn, Real have spent almost £300 million on new players this summer, with president Florentino Perez initiating a substantial rebuild of the Spanish giants after a poor campaign last term. Eden Hazard has been Real's top signing after they finally persuaded Chelsea to part with the Belgian, but the team has suffered a disappointing pre-season, including a 7-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to La Parisien (h/t Matt Penn of the Daily Express), PSG sporting director Leonardo has said Neymar can leave if a deal can be arranged: 

"Neymar can leave PSG, if there is an offer that suits everyone. But to date, we do not know if anyone wants to buy him, or at what price. All this is not done in a day, that's for sure. PSG wants to rely on players who want to stay and build something big. We do not need players who would do a favour at the club by staying here."

The biggest transfer of the summer could yet to be done, with the world watching to see what Neymar does next. A return to Barca would be a mouthwatering prospect for Catalans, but a move to Real would represent a sensational transfer.