Neymar was one of the most high-profile signings in FC Barcelona's history. He arrived as a promising talent from Brazil and quickly became a global star. At Camp Nou, he excelled alongside Messi and Luis Suárez, forming the unforgettable MSN, a trio that marked an era.
During his time in Barcelona, the Brazilian won national and international titles, including a Champions League and several league and cup championships. However, in 2017 he made a decision that shook the world: he left for PSG in exchange for 222 million euros, the highest amount ever paid for a transfer.
From Paris to Chaos: The Fall of the Idol
His adventure at PSG began with excitement, but little by little the magic faded. Constant injuries, lack of consistency, and an off-field life marked by controversy undermined his performance. He never became the reference point they wanted in Paris.
After his departure from PSG, Neymar signed with Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, a move that confirmed the competitive decline of his career. He has now returned to Santos, his original club, trying to regain his form in a more familiar environment. With that return, rumors of a possible comeback to Barça resurfaced.
Joan Laporta and Deco, aware of Neymar's emotional bond with the Barça fans, were willing to consider his return. But they laid out three clear conditions: physical consistency, good performance... and at least 15 goals in the season.
As the months have passed, it has become clear that the Brazilian is not in a position to meet those demands. His physical condition no longer responds as it used to, and his impact on the field is far less than it was during his golden era. Barça has definitively closed the door on his return.
Bayern Enters the Scene: Neymar Appeals to Munich
Although Barça has stepped off the train, Neymar still has offers. From Germany, they claim that Bayern Munich has inquired about his contractual situation and is considering the possibility of signing him for the next season. With Thomas Tuchel out of the club and a new cycle under construction, Neymar could become the impact signing Bayern seeks to renew their sports project.
The Bavarian team believes that, in a controlled environment, Neymar can still offer elite performance for one or two years. His signing would be contingent on his physical condition and a very rigorous medical examination.
Meanwhile, Deco is already working on the future and knows who could be Neymar's true heir. It is Desiré Doué, a young winger from PSG who, at just 21 years old, is already dazzling in Ligue 1. His playing style is reminiscent of the best Neymar: vertical, unpredictable, with dribbling and natural talent.
Doué is one of the great promises of French soccer, and at Barça, they already compare him to Ousmane Dembélé, although with more tactical maturity and better game reading. Hansi Flick approves, and Deco is willing to break the market if the conditions are right.
120 Million and Goodbye Raphinha
The signing wouldn't be cheap. According to internal club sources, Barça would be willing to put 120 million euros on the table to close the transfer. However, the operation directly depends on Raphinha's departure, who has interest in Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.
Deco sees Doué as the ideal successor. The French winger would be the new offensive face of Barça, accompanying Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in a line-up that excites Barça fans. A risky but strategic investment.
Barça considers the Neymar era closed, neither physical conditions, nor performance, nor commitment. The player who once won over Camp Nou is no longer the same. Although Bayern wants to reactivate his career, at Barça, the present looks to the future.
Desiré Doué is the bet, the heir, the beginning of a new era that Deco wants to build with thoughtfulness, ambition, and projection. The past doesn't return. The future is on its way.