What Neymar must do to secure return to Barcelona?

The Brazilian is once again linked with a move to the Catalan club.

Neymar is keen to impress and secure a second term with Barcelona, according to Cadena SER. Apart from aiming for a position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his time at Santos is intended to demonstrate to elite European clubs that he still has the ability to play at the greatest level.

After his hefty deal with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal was terminated, Neymar is back in his native Brazil with Santos FC. But would this reunion with his boyhood club last?

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, the Brazilian had an injury-plagued spell in the Middle East, making just seven appearances for the team.

Neymar took a substantial salary cut to sign a six-month contract with Santos, returning to the team that helped establish his career. For the summer of 2025, he is already thinking of another significant move.

However, Diario AS doesn’t think there will be a reunion unless something happens, even though it has been reported that the 33-year-old wants to play for Barcelona again.

“As Cadena SER reported this week, Neymar’s return is more his wish than Barça’s,” the Spanish outlet noted. “The club is currently happy with Raphinha, Lamine, and Lewandowski. He would only have a chance if he takes a major pay cut.”

Since Neymar’s historic €222 million (£185 million/$232 million) sale to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, there have been rumours of a return to Catalunya, where he once played with players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is rumoured to be looking for another left-sided forward, so it might eventually happen. If Neymar can demonstrate his form and health at Santos, he might end up filling that hole.

He scored 105 goals in 186 games during his first tenure with the Blaugrana, winning both domestic and Champions League crowns in the process.

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