Neymar Is Recovering His Smile at Santos. After his brief and complicated stint in Arab football, where injuries and lack of competitiveness prevented him from shining, the Brazilian star decided to return home in winter. His goal was clear: to regain his form and enjoy football again at the club where he began his career.
He is achieving it; in just seven matches with Santos, Neymar has shown that his talent remains intact, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Beyond the numbers, he looks happy, confident, and is being the leader the team needed. His return has reignited the fans' hopes, who dream of seeing him shine again at the elite level of world football.
Will Return to Europe in Summer
However, Neymar's time at Santos is just a stage in his plan to return to the elite. His goal is to use these six months in Brazil to regain his rhythm and, in summer, return to Europe with a single goal in mind: to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Aware that this will be his last major international event, the Brazilian wants to arrive in the best possible shape.
In this regard, his top priority is to return to Barça. According to Joan Fontes, Neymar sees Barça as his ideal destination to regain his best form. He knows that he has a special history at the blaugrana club and that, if he returns in good condition, he could be a top-level reinforcement for Flick's team.
Laporta Considers It Very Seriously
Joan Laporta is seriously considering the possibility of signing Neymar in summer. The president is aware that his return would be a media sensation, capable of generating excitement and, at the same time, economic benefits for the club in terms of marketing and sponsors.
However, there are conditions; Neymar must demonstrate that his injuries are under control and that he can return to his best physical level. Additionally, he would have to accept a significant salary reduction to adapt to Barça's economic reality. If the Brazilian meets these requirements, Joan Laporta wouldn't be opposed to his return, trusting that he still has years of football at the highest level.
Some Untouchable at Barça Would Go to the Bench with Two Major Candidates
If Neymar finally returns to Barça, his presence would force Flick to make important decisions in the starting line-up. Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are indisputable in the blaugrana attack, so someone would have to give up their place for Neymar to enter the starting eleven.
If the Brazilian plays as an attacking midfielder, Dani Olmo could be the one sacrificed. If, instead, Neymar occupies the left wing, then Raphinha would have to assume a secondary role in the team. In any case, his arrival would pose a tactical challenge for Hansi, who would need to find the balance to make the most of his squad's offensive talent.