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Former Premier League Star Claims He'd Be Worth As Much As Neymar

Former Premier League Star Claims He'd Be Worth As Much As Neymar

A big claim

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Given how over inflated transfer fees have become in football, a player's actual worth is almost pointless to try and work out. Basically, if a club can afford a player, they'll pay whatever they can to land them, regardless of whether they are 'worth' whatever the astronomical outlay may be.

In the post-Neymar era, fees of £100 million+ are going to become more and more commonplace, with anybody signed for somewhere in the region of £30-£40 million now considered a bargain. But the skyrocketing of players' values in the modern game has caused a few people to wonder how some of the legends of yesteryear would be valued in the current market.


One of whom is former Newcastle United favourite, Faustino Asprilla.

The controversial Colombian was signed by Kevin Keegan for a fee of £6.7 million in 1996 as the Magpies battled it out with Manchester United for the Premier League title.

And even though Asprilla never managed to help deliver league title glory to St. James' Park, he still became a cult hero on Tyneside, during his two years in the black and white stripes.


Asprilla became a cult hero during his two years at St. James' park. Images: PA

Now, in an interview with TUTTOmercatoWEB, Asprilla answered the question of how much he thinks he'd be worth in today's transfer market, with the former Parma man typically modest in his response.

"The same as Neymar - no doubt!

Despite becoming a firm fan favourite at St. James' Park for a selection of heroics, none more memorable than his match winning hat-trick during a 3-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League group stages in 1997, Asprilla would return to Parma in 1998.

"I have never regretted the move. I have always been grateful to Parma for what they have given me.

"I remember the fans chanted my name on my return and when the opportunity arose, I didn't think twice about it - it led to me winning two more trophies.

"I left Newcastle even though I was happy in England, but the manager at the time didn't want to keep me."

Asprilla made 61 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 18 goals in the process. His return to Parma saw the Colombian forward lift the UEFA Cup for a second time with the club, having originally won it in 1995.

But do you agree with Asprilla's bold claim about his modern day value?

Have your say in the comments section, below and on our Facebook page.

(H/T TUTTOmercatoWEB)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Neymar, Premier League, Newcastle United