Neymar back to Barcelona? Key figure blocks sensational return

Cameron Smith

26 Aug 2024 10:30 BST
2 min read

Neymar has reportedly offered his services to former club Barcelona, but Hansi Flick has vetoed the deal despite interest from Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.

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Neymar, 32, left Camp Nou to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world record transfer fee in 2017 and he spent six years at the Parc des Princes before signing for Al-Hilal last summer.

Despite only moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, the Brazil international remains eager to re-join Barcelona and he has offered himself to the Spanish giants, according to Sport.

However, Flick has reportedly blocked the transfer after deciding it wasn’t the correct move for the club.

Barca president Laporta was keen on landing Neymar as a marquee signing after the Blaugrana’s failure to sign Nico Williams, but Flick opted against the deal.

Barcelona don’t have an out-and-out left winger on their books at present, with Ansu Fati seemingly frozen out, although Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Raphinha are all capable of playing there.

Neymar has just one year left on his current contract with Al-Hilal and he has made just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League side - scoring once and providing three assists - after suffering an ACL injury back in October.

The Brazilian legend made 186 appearances during a four-year stint at Barcelona, winning nine major trophies and scoring 105 goals in all competitions.

Dani Olmo ‘frustrated’

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Olmo is growing frustrated by Barcelona’s inability to register him, as per Diario AS.

The Spain international joined the club from RB Leipzig for €55 million, but he is yet to make his debut as Barcelona haven’t been able to register him in their La Liga squad due to financial issues.

Ilkay Gundogan has now departed on a free transfer to Manchester City, while Vitor Roque and Clement Lenglet have been loaned to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid respectively.