Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly keen on securing a return to Barcelona from French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window.
Two years after making a sensational switch to French heavyweights PSG, Brazilian international Neymar is intent on returning to former club Barcelona in the upcoming transfer window, reports Spanish publication Sport.
Neymar spent four very successful years at Barcelona, having joined the club from Santos in 2013. The 27-year-old formed a fearsome attacking trident with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the UEFA Champions League.
After racking up 105 goals in 186 appearances, Neymar shocked the world by sealing a transfer to PSG in 2017 in a world record deal worth €222 million. His time in Paris hasn’t been all that successful though, as injuries have hampered him to some extent, while there have been disciplinary issues as well.
Neymar has, till date, scored 51 goals in 58 matches for PSG, winning two Ligue 1 titles in the process, but hasn’t been able to lead the club beyond the Round of 16 stages in the Champions League. With Kylian Mbappe emerging as the club’s MVP, PSG are believed to be open to the idea of selling the Brazilian, while he himself is keen on an exit.
Neymar, according to the report, believes that while his switch to PSG came with great financial benefits, his career has somewhat stagnated, as the Parisian giants haven’t been able to make much of an impact in the continental competitions. As a result, he is seeking a transfer this summer and desires to return to Barcelona where he enjoyed a lot of success.
Barcelona too are believed to be intent on bringing back the Brazilian superstar, having been unable to adequately replace him since he joined PSG. The Catalans brought in Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, but the Frenchman has had his fair share of injury problems, which has somewhat halted his progress.
Philippe Coutinho was brought in last year, but he too has struggled to fit into this Barcelona side, while fellow Brazilian Malcom, signed from Bordeaux last summer, has also failed to make the desired impact as well.
Both Coutinho and Malcom are facing uncertain futures at the club and could very well be offloaded if Barca decide to bring back Neymar. Recent reports even claimed that the La Liga champions were willing to offer either Coutinho or Dembele as part of the deal to re-sign Neymar.
The 27-year-old is contracted with PSG till 2022 and any move would likely require another world record fee. But, with there being interest in a reunion from both Neymar and Barcelona, a deal could be hashed out. The Catalans are yet to make contact with the player’s representatives or PSG, but there could be significant development in this story in the coming weeks.
