Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker Neymar is reportedly set for a blockbuster return to Barcelona.
Mundo Deportivo are citing reports in Qatar that claim Neymar is headed back to Camp Nou six years after his departure to the Parc des Princes. The Brazilian’s future with the Parisians has been uncertain amid issues with the club’s ultras.
Neymar has also removed ‘player of PSG’ from his Instagram bio, furthering rumours that he’s set for a Barcelona return. The 30-year-old has two years left in his contract with the Ligue 1 champions but has been regularly linked with an exit.
The Brazilian winger endured an injury-ridden end to the 2022-23 season. However, he did impress when fit, bagging 18 goals and 17 assists in 29 games across competitions.
A return to Barca will come as a surprise given his unceremonious departure in 2017. PSG triggered the €222 million release clause in his contract to spark his sensational Blaugrana exit. Yet, the La Liga giants were unhappy with the manner in which the Brazilian made the switch to the Parc des Princes.
Neymar received much love from Barcelona fans during his four years with the La Liga giants. He bagged 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games across competitions. The Brazil international won the UEFA Champions League and two La Liga titles.
The affection he received from Barca fans isn’t quite what he has had from PSG fans. They have grown frustrated with the Brazilian during his time in Paris and even protested against his position at the club outside his home in May.
It is worth noting that Ousmane Dembele is headed to the Parc des Princes in a €50 million deal. Whether this has subsequently led to Xavi’s side looking to sign Neymar as his replacement remains to be seen.
PSG’s Neymar pictured with his father & Pini Zahavi, who has close ties with Barcelona president Joan Laporta
A picture has emerged on social media (via Managing Barca) of Neymar relaxing alongside his father and super agent Pini Zahavi. The latter is closely tied to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which only adds further fuel to reports of the Brazilian’s exit from the Parc des Princes.
Zahavi played a key role in Barca’s capture of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich last summer. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported at the time that his relationship with Laporta helped push through the move.
The Israeli is regarded as one of the most important super agents in football history. He has overseen several blockbuster transfers ,and Neymar’s return to Barca could be the latest.