Barcelona discuss SENSATIONAL Neymar return

Robin Bairner

24 Jan 2025 07:15 GMT
3 min read

Barcelona sporting director Deco has discussed the possibility of Neymar returning to Camp Nou at the end of his contract with Al-Hilal.

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Neymar’s future is a hot topic of transfer conversation, with the Brazil international star’s deal in the Saudi Pro League set to expire at the end of June.

Quite what lies ahead for the 32-year-old is unclear. Interest has come from MLS franchises the Chicago Fire and Inter Miami, while a return to Santos has been touted. Neymar is even prepared to take a huge financial hit to return to Santos, according to some reports.

Current ETV

Neymar

F (L), M, AMC

Al-Hilal

Neymar

F (L), M, AMC

Al-Hilal

ETV Range

€8.1M - €13.6M

Barcelona, meanwhile, have considered the possibility of re-signing the superstar they sold to PSG unwillingly for €222 million in the spectacular summer of 2017 – a deal that remains the most expensive transfer ever.

Sporting director Deco told TNT Sports (via FootMecato): “Neymar's return to Barcelona has always been something very difficult. When he went to Saudi Arabia, we knew that he was a very expensive player, especially in terms of Financial Fair Play.

“Neymar, when he is at his best, is one of the best players in the world. For me, he still is and always will be. It is clear that when Neymar is at his best, he would be welcome at any club in the world. So an operation related to Neymar can never be ruled out.

“But at the moment, I think things are moving more towards his return to Brazil.”

A new chapter for Neymar

What is clear is that Neymar will not stay with Al-Hilal, where he has managed just seven appearances since a €90m move from PSG in 2023.

Barcelona sporting director Deco may believe the veteran remains one of the world’s best, but after more than a year out with an ACL injury, the Saudi side feel very differently.

Neymar has not been registered for the second half of the Pro League season, suggesting he could be allowed to leave the club immediately, while head coach Jorge Jesus has cast doubt on the player’s ability to return to his best.

“He can no longer play at the level we’re used to,” Jesus said in a frank admission.

Neymar will be seeking to prove him wrong, yet that opportunity is likely to come at Santos, with a dream return to Barcelona not on the cards.