Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Reportedly Pushing for Return, Wants Out of PSG

Barcelona have reportedly made contact with Neymar's representatives in preparation for bringing the Paris Saint-Germain forward back to the Camp Nou. 

According to Goal's Ignasi Oliva Gispert, Neymar wants to leave the Les Parisiens even though he only moved to the French capital in 2017. Barcelona are said to have been working on a deal but are adamant "the next step must come from the player himself."

Gispert reported Neymar's people have spoken with Barcelona directors to provide "detailed instructions" on how to make this transfer happen.

Part of the process could involve a statement from Neymar to assuage unrest created when he swapped the Camp Nou for the Parc des Princes for a world-record fee.

The transfer left some Barca supporters "disillusioned," creating the need for both sides to mend fences if Neymar is going to return to the five-time UEFA Champions League winners.

A reduction in Neymar's wages is also deemed "essential," although it may be a tough sell for a player who earns up to €40 million (£35.7 million) annually with Les Parisiens. Gispert, though, reported the Brazilian is open to a pay cut.

Neymar commands such a fee because he is a goalscoring and creative talisman. The 26-year-old has been the inspiration in the final third for a team that's won the Coupe de la Ligue, Coupe de France and Ligue 1 since he arrived.

There's been no slowing down this season, as Neymar has struck 15 goals and supplied six assists in all competitions. He's been in red-hot form recently:

Yet for all the magic he has produced, Neymar's time with PSG hasn't been without trouble. His connection with team-mates has long been scrutinised, particularly his rapport with fellow attacker Edinson Cavani.

The latter responded to the ongoing speculation with frustration after his national team, Uruguay, were beaten 1-0 by France in a friendly on Tuesday:

While Neymar got along with his attacking colleagues Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Barcelona, his desire to escape Messi's shadow may have helped fuel his desire to move to France.

Former Brazil international Edmilson recently told Omnisport that Neymar could have become the world's best player quicker had he stayed with Barca (h/t beIN Sports).

Ironically, Neymar is in danger of being upstaged in Paris by 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe. It means this might be the ideal time for Neymar to begin preparing to return to Barcelona to help the club ensure a bright future beyond Messi and Suarez, who are both 31.