A few days before the end of the transfer window, PSG and FC Barcelona continue to negotiate the transfer of Neymar. Virgile Caillet, general delegate of Union sport and cycle, evokes this morning at the microphone of Europe 1 the economic impacts of a departure of the most expensive player in history.

INTERVIEW

Will leave, will not leave? Neymar, the most expensive player on the planet, bought by the PSG 222 million euros in 2017, is the protagonist of the summer telenovela that holds the football planet in suspense. Virgile Caillet decrypts the consequences of leaving the Brazilian star.

Does Ligue 1 have a lot to lose if Neymar were to be transferred?

I would answer differently by saying that Neymar contributed a lot to Ligue 1 in terms of media exposure and attractiveness. Somehow, he brought real credibility to Ligue 1 on the international level. The emergence of a talent like Mbappé allows to take over.

Neymar arrived in 2017. TV rights went from 726 million to 1.2 billion euros, is that the impact Neymar?

It is also that, it is also solid stages, the attractiveness of the partners who are interested in football. It is obvious that Neymar is the figurehead of Ligue 1. Now, do not panic, because there is a good chance that Neymar remains in Ligue 1 this season.

Has Ligue 1 become "Neymar dependent"?

We can not be so definitive but it is obvious that the arrival of one of the three best players in the world has passed a level Ligue 1. It's a championship that is taking on a new dimension. The departure of Neymar would be damaging but I think it is not relevant. Above all, we must ensure that Ligue 1 is structured and benefits from TV rights to continue to develop training to bring out new players.

How can a player generate so much money?

More than a player, it's a brand, an international sports franchise. He has a story and an incredible number of fans. His interest is to play after two dotted years to rework his economic image and marketing.