Barcelona are reportedly considering re-signing Neymar from PSG but will face competition from Manchester City and Newcastle United.
According to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona are pondering over a shock move to re-sign Brazilian superstar Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window. But they will have to contend with competition from Premier League clubs Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Neymar spent four years at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, having joined the club from Santos FC. During his stint at Camp Nou, the 30-year-old helped the club to great heights, forming a deadly strike partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, in 2017, he left the Catalans to join PSG in a world-record €222 million deal.
Injuries and disciplinary issues have marred his time at the French capital to a large extent. Despite showing his undisputed qualities, Neymar has struggled with regular fitness issues while his attitude and personality have been questioned constantly. In 136 matches for Les Parisiens, he has 93 goals and 57 assists, but the Brazilian’s time in the French capital could soon be coming to an end.
Neymar has had an ordinary season so far, scoring just five goals in 20 matches. His performance in the shock capitulation against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League could prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the Brazilian. The 30-year-old, along with Lionel Messi, was jeered by the fans during PSG’s game against Bordeaux.
? PSG's ownership want to sell Neymar JR as reported by @Romain_Molina! ? pic.twitter.com/iNkSfEPtSm
— SPORF (@Sporf) March 10, 2022
At the same time, the PSG hierarchy are contemplating serious changes due to their failure on the continental stages again. And Neymar could become a casualty of the same. This development has seemingly caught the notice of former club Barcelona, who are considering the prospect of re-signing the 30-year-old.
As iterated earlier, Neymar enjoyed great success with the Catalan giants, winning several trophies and titles. With Lionel Messi leaving last summer, Barça are on the lookout for a new marquee addition who can lead the club back to the top. Erling Haaland has been identified as the main target, but Joan Laporta cast doubts over a move for the Norwegian recently.
If Barcelona fail to get their hands on the Borussia Dortmund striker, Neymar could be an interesting alternative. The Catalans have already made multiple attempts to re-sign him in the past. However, a return would require the Brazilian to accept a massive reduction in his current wages. At the same time, the Blaugrana will also need to stave off competition from Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Manchester City are believed to be closing in on the capture of Haaland. But the report adds that manager Pep Guardiola is intrigued by the prospect of managing a player of Neymar’s quality and could sanction a move for the 30-year-old, especially with there being some doubts over the future of Raheem Sterling.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are planning to make big moves in the market in the summer now that safety in the Premier League looks secure. Backed by their new owners with deep pockets, the Magpies have been linked with several high-profile stars like Eden Hazard, Marcus Rashford and Antonio Rudiger, among others, with Neymar also popping up on their radars, although a move seems highly unlikely.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for PSG and Neymar and whether he ends up leaving Parc des Princes in the summer.
