Neymar keen to return to Barcelona, willing to lower salary to seal move

With the return of the summer transfer window, Neymar Jr. is back to dominating the headlines as links tying him back to his former club Barcelona continue to persist.

The Brazilian superstar has always looked back at his time at Barcelona with fond memories. Since leaving for PSG for a whopping €222 million fee, it has not all been sunshine and roses in Paris. The siren call of nostalgia beckons him irresistibly, drawing him back to the cherished echoes of the past.

Looking to reignite the glory days, SPORT’s Ferran Correas has come out to claim that Neymar has once again reconsidered options for a potential homecoming.

Despite Xavi Hernández having already stated in an interview that the Brazilian’s return was not part of his plans, Neymar insists on trying to return to Barça, the club where he played from 2013 to 2017 and celebrated multifarious titles.

“In theory, he is not in our sports planning. I appreciate him enormously as a person, but he’s not a priority,” Xavi had said.

However, the Brazilian dreams of a potential return to his old stomping grounds. It will not be the first time the South American has aimed for a return to the Catalan giants. In fact, only a year after his departure, a comeback was already being considered.

However, unlike previous occasions, Neymar is seen as a disposable asset by PSG, who would not hesitate to move on from their most expensive signing. The French club has reportedly left Neymar’s exit in his hands, informing the Brazilian that he can find a new destination.

Taking this into account, Neymar has sought a tighter relationship with Barça through Pini Zahavi. The Israeli delegate, who is close friends with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, was already a key player in the Brazilian’s exit from Camp Nou.

Furthermore, he is even willing to sacrifice his wages in order to help out Barcelona amidst their Financial Fair Play issues.

Nonetheless, as much as the player may look forward to a return, it appears unfeasible when looking at Barcelona’s priorities and financial situation. Xavi stated that a pivot, an interior midfielder, and a backup striker are on top of the bucket list.

As of now, none of these profiles have been signed, which deems Neymar a luxury that the club cannot spend time considering.

With financial restrictions holding them back, Barça will also only be able to acquire him on a loan deal instead of a direct transfer. While the scenario is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out since PSG do not intend to prioritize the player’s continuity.