The Neymar-Barcelona Saga: A Deal That Almost Happened
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dropped a bombshell revelation: Neymar was actively pushing for a sensational return to Camp Nou this summer—until Lionel Messi’s shocking exit to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) derailed the plans.
The Brazilian superstar, who formed part of Barcelona’s legendary “MSN” trio alongside Messi and Luis Suárez, had reportedly expressed strong interest in reuniting with his former club. However, Barcelona’s dire financial situation and La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations ultimately made the move impossible.
Laporta’s Shocking Admission: Neymar Was “Keen” on Barcelona Return
In an exclusive interview with Esport3, Laporta confirmed that discussions with Neymar had taken place earlier this year.
“We tried to sign Neymar. From the conversations we had, bringing him back seemed like an attractive proposition, and he was keen to come,” Laporta revealed.
However, Barcelona’s financial turmoil—exacerbated by La Liga president Javier Tebas’ stringent FFP enforcement—forced the club to abandon the move.
“We interpreted fair play differently, but based on the way Tebas interprets it, there was no point in making that offer,” Laporta admitted.
Messi’s PSG Move: The Domino Effect
The collapse of Neymar’s potential return was just one ripple effect of Messi’s unexpected departure. The Argentine icon, who spent 17 glorious years at Barcelona, was forced to leave after the club failed to register his new contract due to La Liga’s salary cap restrictions.
Messi’s subsequent move to PSG—where he reunited with Neymar—sent shockwaves through the football world. Reports suggest that Neymar played a key role in convincing Messi to join the Parisian giants, further complicating Barcelona’s hopes of re-signing the Brazilian.
Messi’s emotional departure from Barcelona marked the end of an era.
Laporta’s Emotional Reaction to Messi’s PSG Debut
Laporta didn’t hold back when discussing Messi’s new chapter at PSG, admitting it was painful to watch his former captain in another jersey.
“It was weird to see him wear another kit and to know that we won’t have him here,” Laporta confessed. “It’s a strange feeling, and I didn’t enjoy seeing him play for a rival club that we’ve faced in the past.”
When asked about Messi’s decision to join PSG, Laporta added: “I didn’t like it. They are our rivals to boot and a team that we’ve faced in the past.”
The Griezmann Factor: Another Missed Opportunity?
Laporta also dismissed speculation that Antoine Griezmann’s delayed departure to Atletico Madrid (on a Deadline Day loan) could have saved Messi’s Barcelona career.
“Even if Griezmann had left earlier, it wouldn’t have changed Messi’s situation,” Laporta clarified, emphasizing that the club’s financial struggles ran deeper than a single transfer.
Jaya9 Verdict: What’s Next for Barcelona and Neymar?
While Neymar’s Camp Nou return seems unlikely in the near future, the Brazilian’s strong connection with Barcelona keeps the door slightly ajar. Meanwhile, Messi’s PSG adventure is just beginning, and the football world eagerly watches how this superstar duo will reshape European football.
For now, Barcelona must rebuild without their greatest-ever player—and without the Neymar reunion that nearly happened.
What do you think? Could Neymar still return to Barcelona one day? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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