Neymar could end up at Barcelona via Saudi Arabia, superagent working on deal

Over the past few days, rumours of Neymar returning to Barcelona from PSG have been gaining a lot of momentum.

In fact, Barça president Joan Laporta’s campaign manager and close aide, Lluis Carrasco, also hinted that a move could take place this summer.

However, the financial situation at the club, coupled with the enormous sums that would be needed to sign Neymar, meant that a move back to the club was unlikely.

But, as per a fresh report from SPORT, Barcelona could end up with Neymar back on the books, albeit via a convoluted operation involving Saudi Arabia.

Neymar to Saudi Arabia and then to Barça on loan

Neymar is not in a comfortable situation in Paris and is said to be keen on an exit, with PSG themselves open to his departure.

Saudi Arabia have taken note of the situation and are preparing a mega offer for the 31-year-old Brazilian.

Now, superagent Pini Zahavi, who has close ties with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, is working on a deal so that Neymar signs for a Saudi club this summer before being loaned out to Barcelona for a season.

The Brazilian currently earns €22 million net salary at PSG and coupled with other variables and bonuses, his wages rise up to €51 million per year, something that the Blaugrana are unable to bear.

As such, the operation of him moving to Saudi before arriving on loan would appeal to Barça, with the idea of the two clubs sharing his wages via commercial agreements on the table.

Neymar could consider the possibility

Neymar had been reluctant to listen to the proposal of moving to Saudi Arabia but the chance of returning to Barcelona on a loan for a year might appeal to the Brazilian superstar.

However, the deal would have a condition that the 31-year-old would have to remain in the Middle East nation for two years.

At the same time, the deal will be made complicated by the difficult relationship between Saudi Arabia and PSG’s Qatari owners.

But, Zahavi is trying to mediate the negotiations for what will be a hugely complex operation, with this being seen as the only viable way for Neymar to return to Barcelona.

At the same time, though, convincing Xavi, who has doubts about the Brazilian settling into the dressing room, is also an issue that the Catalans will have to tackle.