According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet El Confidencial, Barcelona are stepping up their effort to bring in Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer in an attempt to stop Lionel Messi from moving away. The Argentine star has his contract at Barcelona until 2021, and there have been rumours that he could part ways with Barcelona in the future. Neymar is someone with whom Messi wants to play, and the club were heavily linked with him even last summer.
Barcelona reportedly offered a host of players in an exchange last summer to PSG, but no deal was able to go through in the end. The La Liga holders have seemingly not given up yet, and they are looking at the Brazilian superstar again to bring him to the Camp Nou.
Neymar’s impressive first spell
Neymar had a fruitful period with Barcelona before he moved to French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain which took many by surprise. In 186 appearances for the Blaugrana, Neymar managed 105 goals along with 77 assists. The 28- year-old helped in delivering two La Liga titles and one Champions League.
The winger was part of a deadly trio with Luis Suarez and Messi which demolished defenders for fun on their day.
Should Barcelona go after Neymar?
Both Barcelona and Neymar reportedly showed a desire to come together last season. Ever since the departure of Neymar, Barcelona have looked a bit off colour. They made a few high profile signings like Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, but both of them failed to meet the expectations at Camp Nou.
Neymar would undoubtedly cost a bomb to get back as PSG would want to recover most of the €222m they paid for him in 2017. Maybe Barcelona could once again try to tempt the French giants by offering some players plus cash in exchange for Neymar. The Spanish heavyweights will also need to be wary of FFP as well after Manchester City were handed a harsh punishment not too long ago.
Hence, if the Catalan giants do go for Neymar, then we are expecting high profile departures of Dembele and Coutinho to balance the books. If Neymar can find the form which he showed in his first spell at the club, then he would be worth going after. His ability to take on defenders, link-up play and producing regular goals and assists would undoubtedly make him a standout option for Barcelona again.
