Neymar signing not a problem for Barca, says presidential candidate

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 5 min read

Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre says the signing of Neymar would not represent a problem for Barcelona, as he plans to restructure the club’s debt.

Farre was the leading figure behind Barcelona eventually voting out unpopular president Josep Maria Bartomeu earlier this season, with elections set to take place at the turn of the year.

• Ancelotti has his say on Ronaldo’s potential return to Real Madrid

Whoever wins will need to lead the club out of a financial hole caused by the current coronavirus crisis. With no fans or tourists allowed in the Camp Nou for so long, Barca have lost out on millions of revenue, leaving them in dire straights.

This summer, Ronald Koeman was unable to sign primary transfer targets Gini Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay due to a lack of funds available.

Yet, Farre says the club would be in a position to bring Neymar back in 2021, despite PSG paying €222 million [£202m] for the Brazilian just three years ago.

Neymar said last week that it was his intention to play with Lionel Messi again at some point, further fuelling speculation of a potential return to Catalunya.

According to Farre, debt could be restructured to allow for the deal to happen.

“I do not see a problem of this calibre, what happens is that it is a poorly financed club. Long-term debt must be refinanced,” Farre told AS when asked if affording Neymar would be a problem.

This view is in stark contrast to that Barca director, Carles Tusquets, who recently said Neymar would only arrive if it was for free.

Neymar: Last two seasons at Barcelona

Another issue facing Barcelona at the moment is the future of Messi, who requested to leave in the summer only for his wishes to be denied. He could still exit on a free transfer in 2021, but Farre is hoping he stays for the remainder of his career, with plans for his post-playing career in place, too.

“We designed a proposal so that he feels comfortable for the two, three, four years that may remain,” Farre explained.

“I think that the economic issue is not the primary one. We work to create a joint brand between Messi and Barca and for him to be honorary president or ambassador. We have not yet outlined the position. I want him to stay forever and for Barca and Leo to be united as a brand , which will be very powerful.”

The Blaugrana have had a torrid start to the new season under Ronald Koeman, as after the weekend loss against Cadiz they have now lost as many games as they have won (4).

They are now ninth in the table, 12 points adrift of La Liga leaders, Atletico.