Neymar likely to reunite with Barcelona: Reports

11 August, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain has granted approval for Neymar, their prominent forward, to potentially make a comeback to his former club FC Barcelona, as confirmed by SPORT.

Back in 2017, the Qatari-backed Ligue 1 behemoths shook the football world by triggering Neymar’s staggering €222 million ($244 million) release clause at Camp Nou, an astronomical sum that still reigns as the pinnacle of the world transfer record.

Fast forward six years, the present head coach, Luis Enrique, who previously steered Neymar’s journey from 2014 to 2017 in Catalonia, alongside the sporting director, Luis Campos, have discreetly conveyed to the football universe’s most high-priced asset the necessity to embark on a quest for a fresh club, as disclosed by RMC Sport. Follow your favourite La Liga team with the best football betting odds from Nextbet.

Regrettably for the 31-year-old, his profile doesn’t align with the blueprint outlined by the former Spanish national team manager at the Parc des Princes. This revelation comes hot on the heels of Neymar’s own disclosure to PSG of his yearning for departure, as documented by L’Equipe over the weekend.

The Brazilian sensation has also candidly expressed his desire to rekindle his association with Barcelona. Alas, the complexities stemming from the Blaugrana’s fiscal tribulations cast a shadow on this aspiration.

A potential compromise that beckons could encompass Neymar being procured by an affluent Saudi club and subsequently dispatched to the reigning La Liga champions on a temporary basis.

As outlined by SPORT, PSG does not intend to be a stumbling block for this intricate maneuver, notwithstanding the strained relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This maneuver could serve as a gesture of reconciliation with the Catalan club, serving to mend the discord that has surfaced recently.

In a saga that saw not only Neymar’s departure but also the recruitment of Lionel Messi via a cost-free transfer in 2021, and an impending €50 million ($55 million) pact with Ousmane Dembele, PSG displayed their financial clout.

The endeavors of Barcelona to thwart these three seismic shifts were in vain. Nevertheless, Neymar’s prospective return may assist in mitigating the financial hits experienced while the transition to the Montjuic Stadium was underway, pending the refurbishment of Camp Nou. Losses to the tune of approximately €90 million ($99 million) have been projected.

The onus is now on President Joan Laporta to sway his manager Xavi Hernandez regarding the prudence of securing Neymar.

While Neymar’s prowess on the pitch remains undisputed, apprehensions arise about his potential to disrupt the team dynamics within the locker room. Xavi’s intimate familiarity with the Santos academy graduate, developed during their shared tenure under Luis Enrique, amplifies these concerns.

As the transfer window inches towards closure, a three-week window remains for Barcelona and the Saudi parties to orchestrate this audacious coup. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports