Neymar’s football journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days at Santos to his record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and then a surprise switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, the Brazilian superstar has seen it all. However, injuries have plagued his career in recent years, limiting his appearances and raising concerns about whether he can still perform at the highest level.
Now, at 33, Neymar has returned to where it all began Santos. His short-term contract with the Brazilian club is not just a nostalgic homecoming but a strategic move to prove that he still belongs in Europe’s elite football scene. With Barcelona setting a clear challenge scoring 15 goals in six months his potential return to La Liga is creating buzz in the football world.
A Troubled Stint in Saudi Arabia
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 was seen as a major coup for Saudi Arabian football. Signed for €90 million from PSG, he was expected to be the face of the Saudi Pro League’s rapid expansion. However, things didn’t go as planned. Injuries restricted him to just seven appearances over 18 months, raising doubts about his fitness and long-term future in top-level football.
A cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for the majority of 2023 and 2024, further complicating his career trajectory. Given his struggles, both Neymar and Al Hilal agreed to terminate his contract in January 2025, paving the way for a return to Santos.
The Santos Comeback: A Tactical Move
Instead of seeking another high-profile move in Europe, Neymar opted to rejoin Santos on a six-month deal. This decision was more than just sentimental; it was a calculated attempt to regain form, fitness, and prove his worth to potential European suitors.
Since his return, Neymar has wasted no time making an impact. In his first seven appearances, he has already registered three goals and three assists, signalling that he still has the ability to influence games. However, his ultimate goal extends beyond Santos he wants to secure a move back to a top European club, with Barcelona emerging as a possible destination.
Barcelona’s Conditions for Neymar’s Return
Barcelona’s interest in Neymar is not surprising. The club has struggled to find a consistent performer on the left wing, despite signing Dani Olmo last summer. Their failed pursuit of Nico Williams and links to players like AC Milan’s Rafael Leão and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz show their urgency to reinforce the position.
However, Neymar’s injury history and age have made the club hesitant. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona’s management has made their stance clear: Neymar must score at least 15 goals in the next six months to prove he is still capable of performing at the highest level. Only then will they consider bringing him back.
This challenge is not just about statistics it’s a test of Neymar’s fitness, consistency, and ability to handle the physical demands of European football. Given his struggles in recent years, Barcelona wants assurances that signing him would not be a gamble.
Would Neymar fit into Flick's plans?
Tactically, Neymar could still be a valuable asset for Barcelona. He remains one of the most creative and technically gifted forwards in the game. His ability to operate on the left wing, cut inside, and create goal-scoring opportunities could provide Barcelona with a much-needed attacking boost.
However, there are concerns about his work rate and defensive contributions, aspects that Flick prioritises in his tactical setup. Unlike the Neymar of 2015, who was part of a devastating attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, the current Barcelona team demands more pressing and defensive responsibility from its forwards.
If Neymar returns, he will likely have to adapt his playing style. His experience and technical brilliance could still make him a valuable squad player, but whether he can maintain the intensity required in modern football remains to be seen.
Financial Considerations: A Key Factor
Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles add another layer of complexity to Neymar’s potential return. The club has been dealing with salary cap restrictions imposed by La Liga, which have forced them to make careful financial decisions in recent transfer windows.
Neymar, who will be a free agent in July, presents an attractive option given that no transfer fee would be required. However, his salary expectations could be a sticking point. Barcelona would need to ensure that signing him does not further strain their financial situation.
Additionally, the club may prioritise younger, long-term solutions for their left-wing position. While Neymar could provide a short-term boost, investing in players like Leão or Díaz might be a more sustainable strategy.
Neymar’s Desire to Return to Barcelona
Despite the uncertainties, Neymar himself appears keen on a return to Barcelona. His former agent, Andre Cury, who played a key role in his initial transfer to the club in 2013, has publicly stated that Neymar would jump at the opportunity.
Speaking to RAC1, Cury said:
“Neymar will be a free agent in July and is regaining his fitness in Brazil. If there is any chance to return to Barcelona, he will do so with great pleasure, I'm sure of it. If the club backs his signing and decides to go for him, it could happen.”
Cury’s statements align with Neymar’s own past comments about his love for Barcelona. Since his controversial departure to PSG in 2017, he has been linked with a return multiple times. Whether Barcelona’s management shares the same enthusiasm remains the biggest question.
Can Neymar Meet Barcelona’s Challenge?
With three goals in seven games so far, Neymar has made a promising start at Santos, but he still has a long way to go to reach the 15-goal target set by Barcelona. Given that he is coming back from a long-term injury, maintaining form and fitness will be his biggest challenge.
If he can stay injury-free and continue producing strong performances, his dream of returning to Barcelona could become a reality. However, if he struggles with fitness or fails to meet the goal-scoring target, Barcelona may look elsewhere for their left-wing solution.
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