Although Real Madrid have formed a formidable force banking on their summer spending splurge, Barcelona are not far behind in terms of mega-money moves having already completed moves for Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann. The Anfield humiliation was the needed reality check and the Catalans, so far, have responded sharply in the transfer market by roping in marquee names.
They, however, are not done yet and reportedly keeping close tabs on Neymar’s situation at Paris St-Germain. The flamboyant Brazilian joined the Parisians for a world-record fee of £200m following a successful stint at Camp Nou a couple of summers back and is now optimistic about a return to Barcelona as claimed by Marca earlier this month.
The 27-year-old attacking sensation refuelled the speculations by failing to return for pre-season activities last Monday, and PSG published an official statement regretting the situation and vowed to take action in the coming days. Amid all the mayhem, Neymar has angered the supporters even more by recollecting the memories of Barca’s epic Champions League comeback against his current employers while discussing his favourite memories in football (as claimed by Goal).
The Blaugrana overcame a 4-0 deficit of the first leg to clinch a 6-1 triumph at Camp Nou. The Selecao sensation scored a late brace and set it up for Sergi Roberto to grab the injury-time winner.
Do They Really Need Him Back?
Neymar, nevertheless, is a joy to watch and Barcelona have indeed missed his services ever since he left for the French supergiants. Injuries have troubled him in the recent past which eventually ruled the attacker out of Brazil’s Copa America 2019 squad. Yet his excellence is adored worldwide and Barca despite securing the services of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, could not replicate his enchantment down the wide areas.
The return of Neymar should lessen the pressure from Ernesto Valverde as the enigmatic winger would take little time to readjust to the familiar surroundings if he regains his fitness and form within the next month.
How Probabilistic It Is For Barcelona To Trigger A Deal?
They have already splashed the cash on Griezmann and De Jong, and therefore, might struggle financially to get a deal wrapped up. There might be an alternate route though.
According to the German outlet Bild (as cited by AS), three players among Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, Nelson Semedo and Samuel Umtiti might be utilised as makeweights to smoothen talks. Moreover, a fee of around €130m would be offered. Such a fascinating players-plus-cash deal might turn out to be challenging to turn down considering PSG’s necessity of bolstering the backline as well as the attacking third. This would definitely be a win-win for all parties according to us.
