Paris Saint-Germain had the best transfer window in the summer of 2021, landing the world’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, for free. The team was star-studded, and everyone thought they would win the Champions League, which they failed to do.
There has been a sudden turnaround this summer, as Messi parted ways with the club to join the MLS side, Inter Miami. On top of that, the French sensation Kylian Mbappe would not sign a new contract, and he’s rumored to have pushed a move to Real Madrid. Now, PSG’s chaotic transfer window continues in a new episode, as Neymar also reportedly wants out, fancying a sensational return to Barcelona. But will Barcelona take him back?
Neymar reportedly wants to quit PSG
Neymar was the epitome of the old approach in the transfer market. At the time, his move to PSG smashed the world transfer record. The Ligue 1 giant signed Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 for €222 million (£200m at the time). Since that time, he hasn’t really lived up to his world record fee.
The Brazilian superstar has won France’s Ligue 1 title five times since joining PSG but wasn’t able to add the Champions League trophy to his PSG cabinet. The last time he won the Champions League was in 2015, with Barcelona.
Neymar has scored 118 goals and provided 77 assists in 173 games during six years at PSG. He has also scored twice and assisted in PSG’s pre-season tour, but he still makes it clear that he wants out.
There are speculations that Neymar wishes to return to Barcelona, where he spent four years from 2013 to 2017, winning several trophies. However, the 31-year-old Brazilian attacker still has four years left on his £25m-a-year deal with PSG.
However, when Neymar’s father was asked about his son’s PSG departure, he said; “I can not confirm a news that did not happen.”
Neymar’s father asked about request to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer: “I can not confirm a news that did not happen”, told @plbrasil1 🔴🔵🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/BEtQFG5JTo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2023
Neymar’s transfer to Barcelona appears doubtful due to Xavi
PSG has been scrambling for a striker in this window’s transfer market since the shocking awakening of Kylian Mbappe’s departure. PSG needs attackers that can manage to fill the voids of Mbappe in his blistering pace and Lionel Messi in his mastery of dribbling and finishing.
PSG have identified Ousmane Dembele as their transfer target, but he remains a Barcelona player despite the Parisian’s €50 million offer for the player. Even more interesting about this deal is that Neymar Jr. has been offered to Barcelona as part of this deal, but it appears that Barcelona’s financial situation will significantly limit their ability to land the player.
PSG has indeed created a path for Neymar’s return to the Catalan giants, but it appears that Xavi’s Barcelona is more keen on keeping Ousmane Dembele than welcoming Neymar back to the club.
Should Neymar stay at PSG? Or should he push for a return to Barcelona? Let us know in the comments section.
