Report: Neymar, Barcelona Discussing Potential Return; Transfer Being 'Prioritized'

Neymar could make a shocking return to Barcelona when his contract with Santos expires this summer, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Ornstein reported the Brazilian's representatives have discussed the idea with Barça officials, and that it's being "explored and prioritized."

"Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Neymar's representative Pini Zahavi have a close relationship and I think Zahavi also looks after Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick," he wrote. "Neymar's big motivation will be the 2026 World Cup and playing at Barcelona, in the rebuilt Camp Nou, has fairytale potential. A lot would need to happen for this to materialize, but it's possible and a tantalizing prospect!"

Neymar's career has never been the same since he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Because of persistent injuries, he never made more than 22 Ligue 1 appearances in a single season. PSG's domestic dominance meant he wasn't challenging himself in the same way he would've if he had stayed at the Camp Nou, either.

For many, Neymar's decision to sign with Saudi side Al-Hilal in 2023 and then head home to Santos signaled the end of his run as a player at the top level of the sport. The career retrospectives and examinations are already getting written.

The current version of Neymar may not add much to Barcelona's squad.

Then there's the fact the Spanish club seems to be never too far away from its next financial crisis. Laporta has pulled so many "levers" to shore up the short-term bottom line, but the scramble to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor in January highlighted how shaky Barça's finances remain.

Even assuming he's willing to take another pay cut compared to his wages at Al-Hilal, bringing him in on a free transfer won't be cheap. Signing aging stars to big contracts is part of why Barcelona created this mess in the first place.

Ornstein calling this a "fairytale" move might be an apt descriptor because it's tough to see how it's realistic.