Lionel Messi once rejected an extremely generous offer from Saudi Arabia, while Neymar is recently said to continue to flee the country to return to play for Barca.

Recently, an insider revealed that Lionel Messi rejected a salary offer of up to 1 billion Euros per season from the Saudi Arabian team Al Hilla, instead he chose to join Inter Miami of former player David Beckham. This can be seen that the goal of the Argentine superstar in the final stage of his career is to enjoy football and money is not the top priority.

While Neymar chose Al Hilal, Messi rejected this team. Photo: One Football

While Messi rejected Al Hilal, his former teammate Neymar chose to join Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 and play in the Arab national championship. However, since his first season here, there have been constant rumors that Neymar wants to run away from this team. Most recently, a reputable source revealed to Sports that the Brazilian superstar is planning to leave Al Hilal again, Neymar’s desired destination is none other than Barca.

 

To make his wish come true, Sports revealed that Neymar has recommended himself to Barca’s current leader, Joan Laporta. With Barca in need of a left winger, Neymar could be a good choice for coach Hansi Flick. However, the source also revealed the result of this deal. Accordingly, coach Hansi Flick has no need to use Neymar, so Barca certainly will not recruit him even if the team is fully financially qualified.

Neymar wanted to return to Barca for the second time but was rejected again. Photo: Getty

It is known that Nico Williams is the top target for Barca’s left wing during the summer transfer window of 2024, but Barca’s financial struggles, along with a contract release clause of up to 62 million Euros, have left them helpless. Nico Williams has also chosen to stay at Athletic Bilbao. However, Barca will not give up, they will wait for him next summer. It is known that Nico Williams himself does not want to leave Bilbao at this time because of a promise to his brother and after this season the Spanish player is ready to join Barca.

As for Neymar, he is still under contract with Al Hilal, this is the second time he has expressed his desire to return to Barca and was again flatly rejected. Previously, when Barca was under the direction of coach Xavi, the Brazilian player was rejected once.

Neymar is still recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, a problem he suffered in October 2023 while he was training with the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Since then, the Brazilian has not been able to return to the pitch.