Neymar's Name Has Resurfaced in FC Barcelona's Offices. Although his return seemed completely ruled out, the insistence of his agent, Pini Zahavi, and his good performance in Brazil have reignited the debate about a possible second stint.
Despite the fact that the sports management led by Deco didn't have him on their priority list, Neymar is doing everything possible to convince. He wants to prove that his signing would be a unique opportunity at zero cost. The key to his return lies in proving that he still has a competitive level and can contribute without being a problem for Barça's economy.
Neymar, Determined to Return to Barça
Since he left Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and decided to return to Santos, Neymar has had only one goal in mind. Return to Europe and play for Barça.
He knows that his departure in 2017 to PSG left many open wounds. But he believes he still has time to redeem himself and finish his career at the team where he lived his best years.
At 33 years old, the Brazilian star seeks one last great stage in the elite before considering less demanding leagues. His stint at Santos is nothing more than a springboard, a way to regain rhythm and continuity after more than a year of injuries.
Neymar has communicated to his entourage that his absolute priority is Barça. He would even be willing to lower his salary and sign a performance-based contract, a strategy that could make his signing viable.
Deco Has Already Received the Message
Pini Zahavi, Neymar's agent and a key figure in the football world, has intensified contacts with Deco in recent weeks. He knows that the financial situation remains complicated but sees in his client a golden opportunity to strengthen the squad without a transfer cost.
Deco already knows the player's disposition and his new professional approach. Neymar has made it clear that he is not returning to demand privileges or a millionaire contract but to help the team and close his cycle at Barça with one last great stage.
However, not everyone in the board sees his return favorably. Joan Laporta has tried to sign him on several occasions since he returned to the presidency. But he knows that his injury history and his abrupt departure in 2017 still weigh on the club's opinion.
Hansi Flick Changes His Stance on Neymar
When Flick took over at Barça, Neymar's return wasn't even under consideration. The German coach prioritized younger signings and players who fit into his high-intensity and constant pressure scheme.
But in recent days, Flick has begun to see the option of signing the Brazilian differently. His initial doubts were related to two key aspects:
Neymar's physical condition. His injury history is concerning, and Flick needs guarantees that the Brazilian can stay fit throughout the season.
His role in the team. Neymar is no longer the 25-year-old player who could play everything. Flick would only accept his signing if he assumes a secondary role, accepting rotations and not pretending to be the undisputed star.
If Neymar proves in the coming months that he is recovered, Flick would have no problem considering him a valuable resource for the squad.
Is Neymar's Return Viable?
Economically, the operation could be viable as long as Neymar accepts a contract adjusted to Barça's salary system.
From the locker room's point of view, his return could have positive and negative impacts. Players like Raphinha or Lamine Yamal admire him, and his experience could help the young players. However, there is also the fear that his presence could disrupt the team's dynamics, especially if he is not in top form.
Everything will depend on how his performance at Santos evolves and whether Barça really needs reinforcement in his position. If in the coming months Neymar continues to shine and demonstrate that he can perform at the highest level, the door to Camp Nou could open again.
The message has already been sent. Now it is FC Barcelona who must decide if they want to listen.