Neymar seeks Barcelona return this summer
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 30 Jun 2022 19:41 BST
- 3 min read
Brazilian superstar Neymar reportedly wants a return to Barcelona this summer as uncertainty surrounding his Paris Saint-Germain future continues.
Neymar, 30, joined PSG from Barcelona in a world-record deal back in 2017, but speculation has linked him with a move away this transfer window.
PSG are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the Santos academy graduate, although they will be acutely aware that they'll suffer a huge loss on the €222 million they forked out to sign him five years ago.
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Injury problems and the lack of a Champions League title have plagued Neymar's time at PSG, but he's still notched up 160 goal contributions in just 144 appearances and enjoyed plenty of domestic success.
However, the arrival of Luis Campos as sporting director and the impending addition of Christophe Galtier as head coach has fuelled rumours that Neymar will leave the Parisians this summer.
Reports from France have suggested that Galtier may switch to a 3-5-2 formation at PSG, which could leave Neymar in the cold if Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are the chosen duo to lead the line as expected.
Links with a move to Chelsea to reunite with Thomas Tuchel have come and gone, with the Blues prioritising Raphinha and Raheem Sterling, while Newcastle star Joelinton has even offered Neymar the number 10 shirt, which is currently worn by Allan Saint-Maximin, in a bid to attract the Brazilian to St James' Park.
With Mbappe signing a new long-term deal at the club, PSG are building a team around the Frenchman, which doesn't quite fit Neymar.
And, Neymar has now made it clear that returning to Barcelona, who are managed by his former team-mate Xavi, is his goal this summer. He has been linked with a return to Camp Nou multiple times since leaving, but a move could actually happen this time around.
Neymar back to Barcelona?
According to OnzeTv3, Neymar is "crazy" about returning to Barcelona, and head coach Xavi is reportedly on board with the idea.
The report suggests that Neymar's first choice option this summer is to join Barcelona, despite interest from Premier League teams and the opportunity to stay at PSG. It remains to be seen if Barcelona have the finances to make a deal happen, however.
The Blaugrana are hamstrung by their lack of money and the debt they find themselves in, but have received an influx of €207.5 million thanks to officially selling 10% of the club’s La Liga TV rights for the next 25 years.
However, it's believed they may spend this money to sign Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and finalise the free transfers of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
