Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano is a trusted name for transfer news. Last night, at 3 AM Bangladesh time, he posted two updates about Neymar on his verified Facebook page over the next eight hours. One post showed Neymar and Lamine Yamal standing back-to-back, facing opposite directions, with the caption, “Neymar’s last dance next season; yes or no?”
Romano’s next post about Neymar carried even more weight. Sharing a picture of the Brazilian star in a Barcelona training jersey, he wrote, “Neymar is willing to wait for Barcelona, prioritizing a free-agent return, according to COPE.”
So, what’s the deal? Neymar recently canceled his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and returned to his childhood club Santos on a six-month contract, with an option to extend for another year. After playing just three matches in his second stint at Santos, why is there new speculation about Neymar’s future?
According to Spain’s Cadena COPE, Neymar’s return to Santos marks the foundation of his attempt to return to European football. The 33-year-old forward aims to prove he’s still fit for European club football after playing these six months at Santos. By regaining his fitness and rhythm at Santos, Neymar hopes to achieve his real goal—returning to European football, particularly Barcelona, before the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013, winning the Champions League and La Liga before making a world-record transfer to PSG in 2017. Since then, rumors of Neymar’s return to Barcelona have persisted. After his move to Al Hilal, those rumors quieted, but now, with Neymar’s return to Santos on a lower salary, the rumors have resurfaced. Who knows, this time the pieces might align. Spanish outlet AS reported recently that Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is looking to sign a left-winger during the summer transfer window from July to August. If Neymar agrees to a lower salary, we might see him back at Barcelona.
Spanish journalist Juan Fontes claims that Neymar still maintains a good relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. According to reports, Laporta has set two conditions for new signings: one, they must come as free agents due to Barcelona’s financial situation, and two, their physical fitness must be up to standard. Neymar plans to regain his fitness before becoming a free agent after completing his Santos contract. However, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had previously opposed the idea of Neymar returning to Camp Nou last season. Interestingly, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal looks up to Neymar, and winger Raphinha, Neymar’s national team mate, could potentially endorse Neymar’s return to Barcelona, according to Spanish media.
In a previous conversation with TNT Sports Brazil, Deco mentioned Neymar’s return to Barcelona, noting that the main obstacle was Neymar’s high wages. However, Deco believes Neymar, if in good form, would be a valuable asset for any team. He also remarked, “We can’t entirely rule out the possibility of his return.”
In summary, Neymar will need to regain his fitness, complete his time at Santos, and then, perhaps, fulfill his dream of returning to Barcelona for the final chapter of his career—possibly accepting a lower salary to make that happen.
