This January, Neymar surprised everyone with his return to Santos, his lifelong club, after a year and a half in Saudi Arabia. After leaving PSG, the Brazilian signed with Al Hilal to become a symbol there, but he has barely played.
For this reason, the player expressed that he wanted to be close to his family again and, above all, return to an environment that felt more familiar and comfortable. Santos, the club where Neymar became internationally known and took his first steps as a professional, has become his refuge.
For Neymar, Santos not only represents his first soccer love but also an opportunity to rediscover his best level.
Neymar Wants to Play in the 2026 World Cup
However, Neymar's return to Santos seems to be temporary, as his plan is to stay in Brazil only until summer. Neymar has the desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he hopes to reach in his best physical and technical form to represent his country.
Therefore, his return to Europe is inevitable. Neymar is clear that his future is in Europe, where he hopes to find the necessary level to compete with Brazil. Thus, Neymar's plan is to return to the Old Continent after his stint in Brazil to compete in a more demanding environment.
Laporta Would Accept a Return
In this regard, Neymar's favorite destination for his return to Europe is Barça. The emotional bond with Barça is strong, and Neymar has always left the door open to a return to the city where he excelled with Messi and Suárez. In this sense, Barcelona presents itself as the ideal place to return and be in the 2026 World Cup.
According to the newspaper "El Nacional.cat," Joan Laporta would be willing to accept Neymar's return to Barça in the summer, under certain conditions.
Barça Sets Two Conditions
The two conditions that, according to "El Nacional.cat," Laporta would impose to accept Neymar's return are clear. The first is that the player demonstrates total commitment to the team, both on and off the field. Neymar must regain the physical and mental form that allowed him to shine in his early years in Europe.
The second condition is that Neymar lowers his salary. The club could not afford his current salary, so the Brazilian would have to make a financial sacrifice if he truly wants to return to Barça. If he meets these two requirements, Neymar's return to the Catalan city could become a reality next summer.