Former Barcelona star Neymar could reportedly come under consideration for a shock return to Camp Nou if the Catalan giants cannot prise Erling Haaland away from Manchester City.
The Brazilian was regarded as the closest challenger to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness during his glittering spell in Catalonia, where he scored 105 goals and won the Champions League.
Neymar's time at Barcelona ended abruptly when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record transfer, and the Brazilian continued to put up incredible numbers in front of goal while in the French capital.
The 32-year-old's relationship with the PSG fanbase was often fractious at times, though, and he departed after six seasons for Al-Hilal last summer, despite serious links with a sensational return to Barcelona.
However, Neymar has been restricted to just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League giants due to a cruciate ligament tear, although he is closing in on a comeback and should be seen on the pitch again in the latter stage of 2024.
Barcelona to move for Neymar if Haaland deal falls through?
© Imago
The former Santos starlet's long-term future is not set in stone, though, as he is out of contract at the end of the season, although Al-Hilal can trigger a one-year extension until the summer of 2026.
There is every chance that Neymar could leave on a free transfer in 2025, though, and according to Sport, Barcelona retain an interest in a surprise reunion with their former star.
The report claims that La Blaugrana could make an approach for the 32-year-old if they are unsuccessful in signing Man City marksman Haaland, who is their number one target for 2025.
From Neymar's side, the winger would apparently be open to re-joining Barcelona due to his desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, and he feels that playing at a high level in Europe would significantly boost his chances.
Club president Joan Laporta - who has a positive relationship with Neymar's agent Pini Zahavi - is also thought to be in favour of a move, but Brazilian giants Flamengo are also in the picture.
Do Barcelona really need to re-sign Neymar?
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Capturing Haaland from Man City in 2025 is surely too optimistic even for a club of Barcelona's calibre, especially with their financial concerns still lingering, but it would be a monumental shock to see Neymar return to the fold.
Thirty-two is hardly ancient for a winger, and Neymar might be willing to accept a pay cut for this dream transfer, but his body has never been kind to him, and it remains to be seen if he can hit his previous heights after almost a year without any football.
Furthermore, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both excelling this season, Barcelona would surely be better off targeting a new out-and-out number nine to replace Robert Lewandowski, who turned 36 in August.
Aston Villa super sub Jhon Duran has apparently been targeted by the Catalan giants, while Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon), Jonathan David (Lille) and Victor Osimhen (Napoli) should all be on the move next year too.
Ben Knapton
