Barcelona sporting director Deco has left the door open for a return for Neymar Junior. The Al-Hilal striker appears to be heading home to play in Brazil, but will be a free agent in the summer. The Blaugrana have also looked for a left winger in recent transfer markets, albeit without success, the same role Neymar filled in his first spell.
Before moving to current Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar was linked with a return to the Catalan capital as an alternative to Lionel Messi, with the Argentinian on his way to Inter Miami at the time. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil (via Sport), Deco explained that his wages make a bid from Barcelona unlikely.
“Neymar's return to Barcelona was always far away. Since he moved to Saudi Arabia, we knew he was a very expensive player, especially in terms of financial fair play,” Deco said.
Yet he was less committed to Neymar's future as he returns to fitness.
“At his best, Neymar is one of the best players in the world. He still is and he always will be. He is welcome at every club in the world. A deal with him can never be ruled out, but at the moment I see him returning to Brazil.”
Neymar is struggling with a serious knee injury, which has kept him more or less sidelined since his arrival in Saudi Arabia. During his time at Al-Hilal, Neymar only played seven games.
“The most important thing is that Neymar starts playing football again. That will bring joy to himself and others. To be honest, I don't know what he's going to do, but the most important thing is that he's happy.”
It appears Neymar has agreed to a move to Santos for the rest of this season, after which he is free to join whichever club he wants. The Brazilian superstar turns 33 in February and has been sidelined due to injuries for the past three years, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta has a penchant for star signings.
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