Neymar is reportedly desperate to return to Barcelona next summer, two years after he departed from Camp Nou in controversial circumstances.
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Neymar is ready to end his two-year stint at PSG in next summer’s transfer window. The Brazilian superstar is desperate to return to Barcelona, who are also weighing up the possibility of bringing him back to Camp Nou.
Neymar had caused a furore last year, when he decided to end his fruitful four-year stint at Barcelona to join PSG, with a lot of promise still left unfulfilled. At PSG though, the 26-year-old has been exemplary, with not many matching his record at Parc des Princes.
In 49 appearances across all competitions, Neymar has scored 44 goals in addition to also providing 24 assists – an astounding 68 direct contributions. But, his future at PSG has been uncertain for a while now, for Real Madrid were believed to be interested in him in the summer. Now though, the player is pining for a return to Barcelona.
Barcelona do seem to have a formidable attacking unit, especially with Ousmane Dembele stepping up this season. But, summer signing Malcom has been linked with a shock move away from Camp Nou in the January transfer window.
Should Malcom indeed depart, a non-EU slot will open up at Barcelona, a spot that can be filled by Neymar. The player’s return can also help rekindle the much revered MSN trio, featuring Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. In fact, a quartet also comprising of Dembele can be created, which would help Ernesto Valverde rotate his attacking troops efficiently.
But, swooping Neymar away from PSG could be a tall order for the La Liga champions, considering his contract at Parc des Princes does not have a release clause, yet. A €160 million buyout clause will come into effect, but not until the summer of 2020, which makes it all the tougher for the Catalans to make a move for the 26-year-old.
PSG have been in a cold war with Barcelona, ever since they unsuccessfully tried signing Marco Verratti, before Neymar’s move to the French capital soured the relationship between the two clubs further. The point of no return seems to be fast approaching, with the Blaugrana heavily linked with Adrien Rabiot.
A move next summer thus, looks unlikely, even though Barcelona are weighing up the possibility of bringing Neymar back to Camp Nou, having already admitted that they will not shy away from tailing him. But, it remains to be seen if a move back to his former club sees the light of the day, or if the 26-year-old continues at PSG.
