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Spanish media outlet Cadena SER claimed that the 33-year-old who returned to Brazil with Santos a couple of weeks ago could be angling for a switch to Catalan giants Barcelona.
Neymar. (X)
Santos FC winger Neymar Junior has been linked with a sensational return to FC Barcelona. The Brazilian recently moved to Santos FC in the January transfer window after an injury-laden stint in the Saudi Pro League. Weeks after his transfer to Brazil, several reports emerged suggesting Neymar was eyeing a return to the highest level of European football. Spanish media outlet Cadena SER has claimed Neymar wants to convince the big clubs to bet on him so that he can compete for the best championships once again. The same report added that there was an offer ‘above all’ on which Neymar would quickly pounce – the one from Barcelona. Neymar’s dream is to return to the LaLiga outfit for a last dance dressed in blue and red.
As per Cadena SER, Neymar wants to prove his worth in Brazil. He believes an impactful stint with Santos FC could earn him a deal with Barcelona. The 33-year-old, meanwhile, is also focused on preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The Champions League winner sees it as his last opportunity to lead Brazil to glory on the international stage.
Neymar had a glorious run with Barcelona between 2014 and 2017. The Brazilian won several trophies in Spain, including a club treble in 2015. He represented Barcelona’s iconic Blaugrana colours in 186 matches, scoring 105 goals and providing 76 assists. He left the LaLiga outfit for Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 which changed the Brazilian’s senior career completely. Since moving out of Spain, Neymar struggled with fitness issues in Ligue 1 and the Saudi Pro League.
After representing Al Hilal in seven games, Neymar’s contract with the Saudi Pro League side was mutually terminated because of the never-ending injury concerns. He recently recovered from a serious knee injury and various muscle issues before making a modest return to competitive football in a Santos FC shirt. He reportedly signed a six-month deal with the Brazilian club.
Neymar returned to action in a 1-1 draw against Botafogo de São Paulo, followed by another stalemate against Novorizontino. He later conceded a 1-2 defeat to Corinthians in the Paulista Championship group stage. Neymar scored his first goal for Santos FC since his return by converting a penalty on Sunday, February 16. The Brazilian’s goal helped his team beat Sao Paulo-based Agua Santa 3-1.
