For a long time, the idea of Neymar returning to Barça seemed like a distant dream. Although the relationship between the club and Neymar was never broken, his return to Camp Nou seemed complicated due to his time at PSG. However, the rumors gained strength when it was leaked from the Brazilian's closest circle that his goal was to return to European soccer and, more specifically, to FC Barcelona.
Everything seemed to be going in a completely different direction when it was thought that Neymar was out of the club's plans. However, an unexpected twist occurred.
Since the arrival of Deco, a former player and now an important part of Barça's sports planning, the doors for Neymar's signing were never completely closed. Deco himself stated that an operation like this should never be ruled out, although the idea was not yet fully defined.
Hansi Flick Also Opens the Door
What has really caused a great stir is what Hansi Flick, the coach of the German national team, has said about it. Flick said about Neymar: "It's not my job, this is the task of other people at the club."
Flick's words suggest that Neymar's return to Barça could be more possible than previously thought. Although Flick did not provide specific details, his open stance has excited many Barça fans about Neymar's return.
Neymar as a Free Agent: A Good Signing?
What makes Neymar's possible return to Barça even more interesting is that the Brazilian would arrive as a free agent. This could be a unique opportunity for the club, as Barcelona would not have to pay a transfer fee, which would ease the club's financial tensions. However, what could make the difference are the forward's salary demands.
Neymar is not a cheap player, and his salary at PSG is considerably high. If Neymar adjusts to the lower end of the salary scale, Barça could include him without breaching La Liga's restrictions. The key here will be how Neymar manages his salary expectations, which could make his signing viable.
Concern in the Locker Room
Despite the hopes of many, Neymar's return to Barça is not without risks. One of the biggest fears within the Barcelona community is the influence the Brazilian could have in the locker room. With a squad full of young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine, Neymar's presence could create tensions.
The dilemma is whether Neymar would be a positive example for the young players or if his presence would negatively affect the development of Barça's youth academy. The club will need to carefully evaluate these aspects before making a final decision.