Returning to Barcelona or joining Manchester United would be better for Neymar’s future
(Neymar’s Desire to Return to Barca Creates a Stir)
In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian forward Neymar has reportedly approached Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a request to depart in August, expressing a strong desire to return to his former club, Barcelona.
According to the renowned source L’Équipe, Neymar put forward his request on August 6th. He aims to have his future settled before PSG’s first Ligue 1 match on August 12th. However, the club’s management is yet to respond. Eager to reunite with Barcelona, Neymar has even indicated a willingness to accept a reduced salary. Within Barcelona’s internal circle, optimism grows as the prospect of the Brazilian striker’s return becomes more plausible.
Neymar initially joined Barcelona in 2013. During his tenure with the Catalan club, he clinched two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and one UEFA Champions League trophy before his transition to PSG in 2017. PSG acquired Neymar from Barcelona at a record-breaking fee of $263 million. This transfer incited mixed feelings among the fans of his former club, who initially considered Neymar’s departure as an act of betrayal.
Back in May, hundreds of PSG supporters gathered outside Neymar’s residence, protesting and urging him to leave. This incident prompted the Brazilian forward to reflect on his future. Neymar publicly expressed his disappointment with PSG’s perceived lack of player support, both on and off the field.
Neymar’s departure request has placed PSG in an unprecedented situation. Earlier in June, the Ligue 1 champions released Lionel Messi. Moreover, another elite striker, Kylian Mbappe, remains isolated from the team due to contract renewal disputes. PSG’s pre-season friendlies have been marked by disappointing goal-scoring performances and a lackluster attacking display. Results include a goalless draw with Al Nassr, losses to Cerezo Osaka (2-3) and Inter Milan (1-2), and a triumphant return against Jeonbuk (3-0), with Neymar contributing significantly through a brace and an assist for Marco Asensio.
Beyond the Neymar saga, PSG and Barcelona are also in discussions regarding the transfer of Ousmane Dembele. Both clubs have yet to reach a consensus on transfer fees and payment terms. PSG is inclined to offer no more than $55 million, having already invested heavily during this transfer window. Dembele, who has played for the Spanish side for six years, is keen on making a move to PSG.
According to Goal, PSG has reportedly reached an agreement with Benfica on August 7th, concerning Goncalo Ramos. The French club plans to loan the Portuguese forward for a season before exercising an option to purchase for $72 million, accompanied by an additional $17 million in supplementary fees. PSG aspires to form a fresh attacking trio comprising Ramos, Neymar, and Dembele.
With a tally of 118 goals, Neymar currently ranks fourth among PSG’s all-time top goal scorers. The leading three are Mbappe with 212 goals, Edinson Cavani with 200 goals, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 156 goals. In his six-year tenure with PSG, Neymar secured five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France trophies, two Coupe de la Ligue trophies, three Trophée des Champions titles, and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2020. As the transfer window unfolds, football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona.
