Frank Christian
Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona has become a topic of discussion, surprising many fans but starting to seem feasible.
Spanish outlet Sport suggests that the Brazilian forward may be considering a move back to the team he once played for.
At the moment, Neymar is sidelined due to an ACL injury and is set to see his contract with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia end next summer. This opens the door for him to sign with another club as early as January.
With an eye on competing in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Neymar might be interested in a more challenging environment, and Barcelona could provide that opportunity.
While Barcelona’s main focus is on pursuing Erling Haaland this summer, they are aware they need alternative options. A reunion with Neymar could be part of their contingency plan, especially with their close ties to Neymar’s agent, Pini Zahavi, who also represents key figures at the club.
Financial constraints are a significant obstacle, as Barcelona has struggled with budget issues. They might find it challenging to match Neymar’s current earnings in Saudi Arabia. However, if Neymar is less concerned about finances after his hefty income from Al Hilal, a return could be feasible.
Having missed over a year due to injury, Neymar will need playing time to regain form for the World Cup, after which he could evaluate his future career plans. Despite being 32, which leads to speculation about retirement in athletes, his history of injuries raises questions about the longevity of his playing career.
For now, he must clarify his club status ahead of the World Cup to ensure he is fit for selection with Brazil. He is anticipated to recover by early November and might finish the season at Al Hilal unless he opts to leave as soon as January.
If a return to Barcelona does not happen due to financial issues, Neymar has alternatives. His old club, Santos, could express interest, or he might join Flamengo, who have already indicated their desire to sign him. However, joining any other Brazilian club might alienate his childhood team.
European clubs in the Champions League may also be interested in him, potentially giving him a chance to revive his career at a lower cost. While a return to PSG seems improbable, there were talks of Chelsea possibly looking to recruit him during the summer.
