FC Barcelona Continues Working on Squad Planning for Next Season. With Hansi Flick on the bench, the team has become competitive again and is fighting for all titles.
Despite the good performance, the sports management keeps analyzing the market. Joan Laporta and Deco are looking to strengthen the squad without compromising the club's financial stability. Now, an old acquaintance is back in the blaugrana orbit; his return seemed impossible, but the situation has taken an unexpected turn.
Neymar Wants to Return to Europe
The Brazilian surprised everyone by returning to Santos this January. After a year and a half at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he decided to return to his original club.
Santos has become his refuge. Neymar needed a familiar environment to rediscover his best version. Injuries and lack of continuity marked his time in Arab soccer, and now he seeks to regain his form.
However, his return to Brazil is not definitive. Neymar has a clear goal: to play in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil. To do so, he knows he needs to compete at the highest level.
That's why his stay at Santos will be short. In the summer, his intention is to return to Europe to face the final stretch of his career at an elite club.
Laporta Is Willing to Accept Him
Barça remains his dream destination. Despite his controversial departure in 2017, the bond with the club has never been completely broken. Joan Laporta has spoken on several occasions about his possible return, although always with caution.
According to "El Nacional.cat," the blaugrana president has changed his stance; now, he views his return favorably, but with clear conditions. In the past, Barça attempted his return without success; however, the current situation is different. Neymar is no longer seeking a multimillion-dollar contract like in Arabia; now, he prioritizes the sports project.
Two Key Conditions for His Return
If Neymar wants to return to Barça, he must accept two essential demands.
The first is to demonstrate total commitment to the team. The management wants to ensure that Neymar arrives with the right mindset. He must not only be in top physical shape but also avoid distractions off the field.
In the past, his professionalism has been questioned. In this new stage, Barça will not accept concessions. Laporta wants a Neymar focused on soccer and with the right attitude.
The second condition is economic. His salary in Arabia was astronomical, something Barça can't afford. If he truly wants to return, he must accept a drastic pay cut.
The club has already implemented a strict salary policy. Footballers like Frenkie de Jong or Ter Stegen have been pressured to reduce their contracts. Neymar will not be an exception.
Barça offers him an incentive-based contract. His base salary will be lower than in his first stage, but it can increase based on his performance and titles won.
A Decision Up in the Air
Neymar's future is not yet decided. The Brazilian knows this is his last big move in European soccer.
Barça represents a unique opportunity. Returning to Camp Nou would allow him to reconnect with a fanbase that still remembers him fondly. Additionally, he could play in the Champions League and prepare for the World Cup in a competitive team.
However, other options may appear. Some Premier League clubs have shown interest in him. He could also receive offers from Italy or even a return to PSG.
For now, the conversations are open. Neymar is willing to make sacrifices to return to Barça, but there are still details to be solved.
Laporta has left the door open; everything will depend on Neymar. If he accepts the conditions, his return could be one of the big stories of the next market. Is he ready to make history again at Camp Nou?