Journalist that broke Messi to Inter Miami drops new transfer BOMBSHELL
FT Desk
- Updated: 5 Aug 2023 20:03 BST
- 3 min read
The journalist that broke the sensational news that Lionel Messi was heading to MLS has announced that a second blockbuster transfer is taking place.
Qatari journalist Mabkhout Al Marri is known for his vast collection of football memorabilia, which he houses in his own private museum.
He also enjoys close ties to the world of football, and was the first to reveal that the Argentine had chosen to accept Inter Miami's offer at a time when Barcelona were also reportedly in the hunt for their ex-star.
Barca suffer Saudi Pro League blow
According to Al Marri, Barca may be in for better fortunes this time round, as Neymar nears a return to Camp Nou in the summer transfer window.
Back to Barca?
Neymar left Barcelona in the summer of 2017 but has struggled with injury throughout his time at Paris Saint-Germain, while for the last two seasons the Brazilian ace was somewhat overshadowed by strike partners Kylian Mbappe and Messi.
Nonetheless, and in spite of fitness issues and finding himself the focal point of fans' frustrations after Champions League elimination in 2022-23, he still managed an impressive 18 goals in 29 games in all competitions, taking his overall PSG up to 118 in 173 appearances.
Al Marri claims that Neymar will be moving back the other way once Barca finalise the sale of Ousmane Dembele to PSG, though the Catalans rejected a previous offer that saw the Brazilian enter that deal on a proposed loan switch.
While he is not a priority for coach Xavi, the player remains one of the best in the world when fit and in form and that talent could sway Barca should they need to replace Dembele before the window closes.
