Neymar, the Brazilian football star, may find himself back at FC Barcelona this summer following impressive performances during his time at Santos. The forward, who famously left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) back in 2017, is now seen as potentially re-integrable, especially as he aims to recapture his best form before the World Cup 2026.
Having first joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013, Neymar was part of the legendary "MSN" trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, clinching multiple titles, including the club’s treble-winning season. His record-breaking transfer to PSG, activated by his release clause of €222 million, initially aimed at fulfilling his ambition of winning the Champions League and securing the Ballon d'Or. Unfortunately for him, neither goal materialized, and he experienced increasing tensions with PSG, culminating in his exit to Al Hilal, only to part ways with the Saudi club after limited appearances due to injuries and other issues.
Now, since returning to Santos at the beginning of 2025, Neymar seems to be rediscovering his form. Over seven matches, he has scored three goals—including one from a corner—and notched up the same number of assists, making waves for his dazzling performances. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, with many speculating about his future and the possibility of rejoining his former club.
Recently, The Athletic reported on Neymar’s apparent eagerness to return to Barcelona, with his representative Andre Cury hinting at Neymar’s enthusiasm: “Neymar will be very happy to return to Barcelona if the club decides to pursue him this summer.” This sentiment reflects not only his past glories with the Catalan club but also the bond he maintains with the team and its loyal fan base.
Barcelona, on the other hand, seems to have some reservations. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the club's president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco communicated several requirements to Neymar’s camp. They made it clear: “First, score 15 goals for Santos, and then we will think about signing him.” This requirement highlights their concerns about his fitness and readiness to fit back seamlessly within coach Hansi Flick’s high-pressing style of play.
While fans may express concerns over whether Neymar's style aligns with the current team's needs, Laporta sees value beyond the pitch. The Camp Nou is set to reopen after renovations, and adding Neymar—a marquee name—could attract more fans and increase ticket sales. Neymar’s presence could breathe new life and excitement back to the historic stadium, especially as the club seeks to relaunch its ambitions following recent challenges.
Despite his stellar performances and potential for individual glory, the club's decision will hinge on their scouts' assessments of his current condition and form. They are reportedly keeping close tabs on his games at Santos to gauge his performance and readiness to return to elite European competition.
With his contract at Santos ending soon, Neymar could realistically make the transition back to Barcelona without any transfer fee, providing another layer of intrigue to the potential deal. His current salary of around $166,000 per month, significantly lower than the $100 million he earned at Al Hilal, demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice financially for the chance to compete at the highest level and prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
The situation surrounding Neymar's possible return to Barcelona is rife with optimism. Not only would it serve as one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, but it could also fulfill Neymar’s desire to reinstate his status as one of football's elite players. Enthusiastic fans are left wondering whether the club will welcome their beloved star back, and if so, how he might re-defy expectations at the storied Camp Nou.
With all these dynamics at play, it's clear Neymar is at a pivotal juncture. He is not just aiming to return to his former club; he is also stepping up to reclaim his place as one of the world's best players and prove any doubters wrong. Whether Neymar will don the blue and garnet once more could well be decided by his performance on the pitch this season, and if things go his way, Barcelona fans might see their prodigal son return to ignite new dreams.