According to a recent report by Sport, Barcelona have failed to come to an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain after both clubs held their first meeting at the French capital to discuss the future of Neymar Jr. The same source has claimed that PSG want €100m plus Philippe Coutinho and Nelson Semedo to be included in the deal for Neymar. However, Barca are only willing to give up Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic as they do not fancy losing Semedo this summer (via Sport).
Neymar’s Shortcomings In European Football
Neymar is currently enjoying his summer holidays at Algarve as he awaits future developments on his next destination. He was a frustrated figure at Parc Des Princes last season after being plagued by injuries which have derailed his career in European football. The Brazilian forward has not been able to help PSG reach the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League over the past few campaigns. Hence, an opportunity to return to Nou Camp to play with talented superstars such as Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi might be too lucrative for Neymar to turn down this summer.
One can question whether the Brazilian striker has fulfilled his true potential in Europe. Neymar is a world-class prospect and has all the skill set required to become one of the greatest players of this generation. With Messi heading into the twilight years of his playing career, the honour of leading an elite club like Barca might be up for grabs. So Neymar might enjoy the challenge of leading the Catalan outfit to a new era if he seals a return to the Nou Camp in this off-season.
The 27-year-old has made a total of 58 appearances for Ligue 1 giants so far, netting 51 goals while creating 29 assists across all fronts. Neymar has also represented the Brazilian national team in 97 international fixtures and has registered 60 goals for them in the process.
What Does The South American Sensation Offer On The Pitch?
The former Santos attacker is one of the most consistent goal-getters in European football. He has an incredible turn of speed, which allows him to beat his marker in the final third.
The Brazilian talent has a low centre of gravity that makes him such a potent threat in the attacking end of the field. However, Neymar needs to prove his fitness if he wants to stake his claim as the best player in world football in the coming years.
What Should Be Valverde’s Play Here?
The Catalans would be better off meeting PSG’s demands by giving up €100m plus both Coutinho and Semedo so that they can bring Neymar back to Spanish football. The Brazilian will make them a genuine UEFA Champions League contenders for the 2019-20 campaign, so he is well worth the deal.
