Speculation continues to grow surrounding the subject of Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior making a potential return to Barcelona. While rumors are flying around left and right, let’s take a step back and analyze the topic of discussion.
Neymar started his tenure with Barcelona in 2013, and he remained with the club until the year 2017. His arrival to Barcelona came with the dark cloud of a criminal investigation that ultimately saw Barcelona and Bartomeu charged with tax fraud.
Neymar’s Departure from Barcelona
In 2017, Neymar transferred to Paris Saint-German (PSG), which was only made possible after he paid a hefty €222 million release fee to Barcelona. This was the most expensive transfer ever. Neymar wears number 10 for PSG, and his contract runs until 2022.
With a few years still remaining on his contract with PSG, Neymar has again become the subject of international soccer controversy. There are now swirling rumors that legendary forward will make a return to Barcelona soon.
The Word on the Street
Some sources predict a Neymar-to-Barcelona deal would involve Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho being sent over to PSG. Other outlets suggest that Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele would also be part of the deal. One of the few consistencies among the myriad rumors is that Neymar just wants to return to his old club, and he’s tasked his agents to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Barcelona Captain and soccer legend Lionel Messi has stated that he would like Neymar to return as his teammate. Neymar has even reached out to his ex (and possibly future) teammate Luis Suarez, sending him encouraging words after an emotional exit from Copa America. So the foundation for a homecoming is there, and it’s clear that Neymar would be welcomed back with open arms.
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