Tottenham owe Neymar and PSG an immense debt of gratitude

Neymar did Tottenham a huge favour this summer

At first glance, Neymar’s big money move from Barcelona to PSG doesn’t seem to have much to do with Tottenham. After all, Spurs were never a contender to purchase the Brazilian talisman. However, closer examination reveals that PSG’s decision to bring Neymar to France has significantly influenced Tottenham’s summer transfer policy.

When PSG shocked the football world by activating Neymar’s release clause, it limited their transfer flexibility for the rest of the summer. Clearly, that was a sacrifice the club were comfortable with, but it did limit Unai Emery’s ability to bring in other reinforcements. Not only did PSG have to worry about Financial Fair Play, they move for Neymar was so expensive it significantly lessened the cash they had to spend on other targets.

That cash flow issue certainly complicated PSG’s efforts to sign Juan Foyth. As you’ll recall, Tottenham led the race to sign the Argentinian centre back when the summer transfer window opened only to see their bid topped by the French giants. There was a period of several weeks where it seemed that PSG were destined to win the race for Foyth.

Then, reports started to pop up that claimed Foyth preferred to move to London to work under Pochettino. While I’m sure that’s the case, Tottenham’s unwillingness to match PSG’s financial offer still left Spurs at a significant disadvantage. It would have been relatively simple for PSG to up their offer by enough money to convince Foyth to move to Paris.

Clearly, that didn’t happen. Instead, reports from Argentina (via Sports Illustrated) allege that Foyth will fly to London this week to complete his move to Spurs. Notice, there have been zero reports of Tottenham upping their initial bid. PSG didn’t use their financial might to secure Foyth because of their cash outlay for Neymar.

Spurs’ benefit from the Neymar move may not end there though. PSG also find themselves needing to divest themselves of several players in an effort to balance their transfer books. Talented, but troubled right back Serge Aurier is near the top of the club’s list.

Various sources from both France and England claim that Tottenham are closing in on Aurier’s signature. Pochettino is evidently willing to assume the risk of dealing with Aurier’s questionable character in exchange for his prodigious on-field talent.

In fairness, PSG seemed determined to sell Aurier before they made the big move to purchase Neymar. They may have chosen to hold out for a higher transfer fee without the need to balance out that purchase though. Reports claim that Spurs can secure the talented fullback for less than £25 million. That’s a bargain for a player of his talent despite his off the field issues.

Next: Tottenham are poised to heap pressure on Hugo Lloris

When the summer transfer window ends, Mauricio Pochettino may be well served to send a thank you note to Neymar and the higher-ups at PSG. The Brazilian’s big money move to Paris paved the way for Tottenham’s summer transfer policy.