5 players Barcelona should sign to replace Neymar
By David Gate
![BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 06: Neymar of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during of the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou stadium on May 6, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 06: Neymar of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during of the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou stadium on May 6, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b880d3aa670d90e731c5af9e84588b8091f4005a6f767ea6ec601ea30fffbdd.jpg)
5 players to replace Neymar: Eden Hazard
This is another player who has already been linked to a move to the Nou Camp. His stand out performances for Chelsea in the second half of last year were a huge part of the Blues title victory. The Belgian has lit up England’s top division for the past five years; claiming two Premier League titles and a Europa League triumph.
He has yet to win a Champions League with Chelsea and may feel like now is the time to head to one of Europe’s biggest clubs in pursuit of that goal. At 26-years-old he is right at his prime. A big money transfer as this point in his career makes a lot of sense.
From a playing perspective he would be able to fit in instantly. He is a pacy, dribbler who does most of his work in the left central area. He would be able to replace almost all of Neymar’s production though the Brazilian may have the edge as a finisher.
If Barca were to lose a little in terms of striking threat in this swap they would gain a whole lot more in effort. Eden Hazard works tirelessly for the Blues having been schooled by Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Both those managers insist on a high work ethic and defensive responsibility. This is something that has been lacking from Barcelona since Pep Guardiola left.
However Chelsea are not typically a selling club. They have the financial muscle to match any contract another club can offer. It would take the larger part of Neymar’s £195 million transfer fee to get the London club to the table.