Barcelona: Bringing back Neymar would be a foolish move

Barcelona’s transfer activity next year might include a mission of bringing back Neymar to Spain, but I reckon that it’s a bad move for the club.

Less than two years since signing on a world record move for Paris Saint-Germain worth 220 million euros, Neymar Jr. is once again in the transfer news as he seeks to leave France and make a return to Spain, where Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two teams tussling to land the Brazil international’s signatures.

AS had reported last week that Neymar will be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of 200 million euros and both the Spanish superpowers are interested in landing the contender for being the best player in the world very shortly. But Barcelona may not be making a right call if they decide to bring him back.

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There has been no front-runner being reported in this case between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but you would think that it would be the Catalans, thanks to Neymar’s relationship with the players there as well as his previous association with the club. And the Catalans are already in touch with the player and have asked him to meet 2 conditions if he is to return. Plus, they are also planning a swap deal to reunite with him.

Recently, Louis Van Gaal spoke about how Neymar’s return is not going to be beneficial to Barcelona by any means. The former Manchester United manager said:

"“I think it’s not good for Barcelona, but that’s my opinion. Neymar is still a young player who can continue to develop. He must first learn to be a team player. Neymar is too individualistic, which is why I think Barcelona should be vigilant before deciding to get him back.”"

Don’t get me wrong, but Barcelona will begin to nail the screws in their own coffin in all probability should they manage to sign Neymar. There seems to be a sense of harmony that has been established in the dressing room but the 26-year-old’s arrival may very well lead to its changing.

If Neymar potentially returns to the club, he will definitely be a regular in the starting eleven. Now on the right wing, it is Lionel Messi who plays and Neymar does not really fit in there either. Suarez plays as the striker but that is not a position that Neymar is too familiar with and so, the only place where he can fit in is the left wing.

Currently, Barcelona’s winter signing Philippe Coutinho has been occupying the left winger’s role and is performing pretty well down there. The former Liverpool forward has also managed to get into the goals more often. If Neymar is to play there, Coutinho either gets benched and Barcelona make him frustrated.

And in case Coutinho continues to play, he will be forced to go back in the role of a left midfielder which is now filled by Arthur Melo. The Brazilian is doing really well and has been likened to Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez too, so stripping him of regular playing time may lead to his development being hindered and Arthur may even leave the club.

Finally, Jordi Alba never seemed to be a fan of Neymar and stated that the 26-year-old’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain has helped him in becoming a better player from an attacking point of view. While Alba may not have a contract at Barcelona beyond 2020 at this point in time, the Catalans may end up extending it soon.

So all in all, Neymar’s return to Barcelona will lead to damage at one place or the other and there is a high chance or there being a collective harm to a few players as well. What’s certain though is that if Neymar comes, Dembele will be offloaded.