The Dream of Returning to FC Barcelona Remains Alive, and This Time, It Seems Closer Than Ever. The star has made it clear that his desire is to return to Camp Nou, and Joan Laporta, although cautious, hasn't closed the doors on him.
The player has insisted that his time at Barça was the best of his career, and he wants to relive that happiness in the final years. Unlike other occasions, this time he doesn't prioritize money but seeks an opportunity to compete at the highest level again.
A Frustrated Attempt in 2024
Last summer, he already tried to return to Barça, but circumstances didn't allow it. The club's delicate financial situation and the inability to comply with financial fair play made it impossible to register him.
Moreover, at that time, Flick didn't consider signing him, as his performance was uncertain, and his physical condition raised doubts. However, the situation has changed in recent months, and his return is now a real option.
He No Longer Plays for Money
After leaving Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Neymar decided to return to his roots and sign with Santos, with a five-month contract. His goal was clear: to regain his best form, feel like a footballer again, and prepare for Copa América and the 2026 World Cup.
Since then, he has maintained constant contact with Barça, making it clear his desire to return. "Please, give me another chance," he reportedly said in private conversations with club members.
The most important thing is that Neymar no longer makes economic demands. At 33 years old, his fortune is secured, and he no longer needs large contracts to keep playing. He is willing to accept an average salary, adapted to the club's new salary scale, and earn most of his pay based on performance incentives.
Barça's Conditions for His Return
Despite his insistence, Barça has made its conditions clear. Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick have been very direct with Neymar and have set two key requirements for his return to materialize:
Doubts about his physical condition must disappear. Neymar has to prove that he can stay injury-free and perform at a high level for five months with Santos.
He Must Regain His Best Footballing Form. It's not enough for him to play again; he must show the level that made him one of the best footballers in the world.
The footballer has accepted these conditions and is confident in meeting them. However, Barça won't make a decision until May, when Deco will travel to Brazil to evaluate his performance in person.
Flick Doesn't Guarantee Him a Starting Position
While Laporta doesn't oppose his return, Hansi Flick has been very clear about his role on the team. Neymar won't be an undisputed starter but will have a secondary role in the squad.
The German coach won't change the current setup, where the wingers are Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Neymar, if signed, would be a top-level substitute and a quality alternative in the rotation.
Moreover, Flick will only accept the best Neymar. He won't settle for a diminished version of the Brazilian but will demand total commitment and top-level performance.
Neymar's Father Plays Coy
While the player shows a clear interest in returning, his father and representative has tried to lower expectations. In his latest statements, he assured that his son has a project with Santos and that returning to Europe isn't a priority.
However, it's not the first time Neymar Sr. plays coy. In 2017, a day before his son signed with PSG, he himself assured that "he would stay at Barça," so his words don't generate much confidence.
To make a definitive decision, Deco will travel to Brazil in May and attend two or three of Neymar's matches with Santos. If the player's performance convinces the club, he will meet with his father to agree on the terms of his return.
The agreement would include a short contract with an option for annual renewal, depending on the player's performance. The contract signing would take place in June, just before Barça's preseason begins.
Barça's Plan: Decision in May, Signing in June
If the footballer wants to convince Barça, he will have to shine in the 12 matches he has left with Santos in the Brasileirão:
From Brazil, Neymar follows every Barça match and has been impressed with the team's performance under Flick's leadership. He dreams of playing alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal and of recapturing the essence of the magical trident he formed with Messi and Suárez in 2015.
Unlike previous years, Neymar's return to Barça depends solely on his performance. Joan Laporta is willing to give him a new opportunity, but only if he proves that he still has elite football in his cleats.
If he meets expectations, he will return to Camp Nou in June 2025. But if he fails to regain his level, his story with Barça will be definitively in the past.