Barcelona once again linked with summer move for Neymar
The longest transfer saga in recent history is set to stretch into next summer, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that Barcelona will go back for Neymar in 2020.
Its no secret that Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona. The 27-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain from the Catalans in 2017 for a record €222 million.
However, injury and discipline issues have prevented him from living up to that exorbitant price tag. Neymar was signed by PSG’s Qatari owners to help them win the Champions League. While the French giants have continued to win Ligue 1, they are no closer to lifting a continental title.
The number 10 still has an impressive record at the Parc des Princes, with 59 goals in 69 appearances. He hasn’t hit the same heights he did at Barca though, having been omitted from the list of Ballon d’Or nominees for 2019.
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At the Camp Nou, Neymar was part of MSN, one of the greatest football attacking trios of all time. Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are still going strong, and Barca are mulling over the possibility of a reunion next season.
According to the report, the club hierarchy will begin planning for the 2020/21 season from January, and will monitor Neymar’s performances in France. If the Brazilian can remain fit and maintain his level, the Blaugrana will almost certainly go back in for him.
Last summer, PSG were stubborn in their insistence of keeping Neymar at the club, but an obscure clause could change things in the summer of 2020. Mundo Deportivo claims that Neymar will be free to negotiate his departure because of this, as he has completed three seasons in Paris without a contract renewal.
Taking into account the depreciation of his market value, he will cost around €180 million.
While it might seem unlikely at the moment, Barca did spend a huge amount on Antoine Griezmann this summer. Neymar is younger and more prolific than the Frenchman, and the club might even sell Ousmane Dembele to fund the transfer.
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In spite of some unconvincing performances, Barcelona are on top of LaLiga going into the winter break after a 0-0 draw with Real Madrid. Their first match after the New Year will be the derby against Espanyol.