Barcelona is enjoying a fantastic season so far, leading La Liga on goal difference over second-placed Real Madrid, with a game in hand against Osasuna. Furthermore, Barcelona is in the Champions League quarterfinals and the Copa del Rey semifinals, further strengthening the team’s ambitions of achieving the historic treble once again.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, as the club seeks to return to the top of European football, it is looking to strengthen its squad with players capable of contributing in various positions. In this context, the name of Neymar Jr. has once again been on everyone’s lips at Barcelona.
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According to sources close to the player, Neymar’s entourage has directly contacted club president Joan Laporta to discuss a possible return to Barcelona. The Brazilian star, who currently plays for Santos, is striving to regain his best form after a difficult period at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and is willing to do everything in his power to convince the Catalan club that he still has much to offer. However, Barcelona’s response was clear: for now, the door is closed.
Neymar, 33, joined Al-Hilal in 2023 in a multi-million-dollar deal, but his career in Saudi football hasn’t unfolded as he expected. Injuries and inconsistent performances affected his time in Asia, prompting him to return to his former club, Santos, in search of playing time and confidence. The Brazilian’s goal now is to prove he can still compete at the highest level and, more importantly, convince Barcelona that he can be a key player in Hansi Flick’s project.
Despite Neymar’s desire to return to Barcelona, the club has been forthright in its response. Neymar’s time at Camp Nou between 2013 and 2017 was a success, forming part of a historic attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. However, after his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, his exit left a mixed impression on Barcelona fans, making the prospect of his return divisive. Although Neymar’s entourage tried to open the door, Barcelona’s board of directors confirmed they were not considering bringing him back.
Barcelona’s current policy is focused on signing young, high-potential players who can adapt to Flick’s style of play and grow within the project. Although Neymar remains a player of undeniable quality, his style and the club’s current direction are not a perfect fit. Furthermore, his high salary and injury record played a significant role in this decision.
