Neymar is reportedly eager to stage a dramatic comeback to Barcelona, as indicated by sources in Spain. Despite currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, the Brazilian star has been absent from the field since October due to a significant knee injury sustained during international duty. However, this setback hasn’t quelled the 32-year-old’s aspirations of rejoining Barcelona, the club he departed in 2017 for a staggering €222 million fee to join PSG.
Insights from Bar Canaletes suggest that Neymar engages in regular conversations with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which has only intensified his desire for a potential return to Camp Nou in the future. Any prospective transfer for Neymar is unlikely to materialize until the summer of 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of his contract with Al-Hilal. At that juncture, there’s speculation that he could reunite with Erling Haaland, as Laporta has initiated discussions with the Manchester City striker, eyeing him as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski in leading Barcelona’s attack.
However, the prospect of Neymar’s return to Barcelona isn’t without its reservations. Financially, it presents a considerable challenge, contingent upon the wage demands of the forward. Having become accustomed to substantial salaries during his stints at PSG and Al-Hilal, it remains uncertain whether Neymar would be willing to accept a significant reduction in pay to facilitate the move to Barcelona. Should he be open to such adjustments, the prospect of his return gains viability.
Yet, concerns linger regarding Neymar’s fitness. Since his departure for PSG, he has endured at least one significant injury each season, raising doubts about his ability to recover from his latest, and most severe, setback. While he has amassed 178 club appearances since leaving Barcelona, his seven-year absence from Camp Nou translates to an average of merely 25 games per season.
Nevertheless, the potential homecoming of Neymar to Barcelona holds an allure for Laporta, appealing to the showmanship associated with the club’s president.