Report: Barcelona to Make Neymar Loan Bid; Conflicting Rumours on 2020 Transfer

Tom Sunderland @@TomSunderland_Featured ColumnistAugust 19, 2019

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (R) jokes with Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva during a training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, on August 17, 2019, on the eve of the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Rennes. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Barcelona are said to be ready to make an offer to loan Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this season, though there are mixed reports over whether the option to buy will be obligatory.

Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN FC wrote Barca would have the option of making the move permanent in 2020, while Sky Sports News said there was an obligation to buy:

Sky Sports News @SkySportsNews
Sky sources: Barcelona to make a loan offer to PSG for Neymar with an obligation to buy.

ESPN FC's report read, "Sources close to the Catalan club have explained that no players are likely to be included in the offer, while discussions are ongoing as to how much they will suggest for the price of a transfer in 2020."

Philippe Coutinho was being linked as one player who could be included as part of Neymar's return to the Camp Nou, but Bayern Munich confirmed his arrival on a season-long loan on Monday.

Sportswriter Andy West suggested Coutinho—who arrived in January 2018—was a failure in Catalonia, which may have exacerbated Barca's longing of their former star:

Andy West @andywest01
Coutinho just never fitted in at Barça. They needed someone to replace Iniesta and someone to replace Neymar but he could do neither. He does similar things to Messi but not as well, and never really looked comfortable. Don't see him coming back.

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PSG manager Thomas Tuchel has been open in acknowledging Neymar's desire to leave the Parc des Princes.

However, the German spoke to reporters after his side lost their Ligue 1 match 2-1 at Rennes, saying it was "not possible" for Neymar to exit without the club having a replacement lined up:

Tuchel said: "He won't go without a replacement, it's not possible. It's obvious. If he does end up staying, we will have a player who can win one-on-ones."

Ligue 1 writer Jeremy Smith highlighted the complications caused by a loan transfer, given PSG wouldn't receive significant enough funds this summer:

Jeremy Smith @jeremysmith98
Barca reportedly would like a loan with compulsory purchase clause. However, Tuchel confirmed yesterday that if Neymar were to leave, PSG would need to replace him. They'd struggle to do so without receiving funds this summer. 2/2

The Blaugrana started La Liga in disappointing fashion on Friday and lost 1-0 in their visit to Athletic Bilbao thanks to a late volley from Aritz Aduriz.

The Spanish Football Podcast joked the defending league champions all of a sudden look more desperate for a deal:

The Spanish Football Podcast @tsf_podcast
We're getting to the point now where Barça might *actually* need Neymar...

Two years have passed since Neymar left the Camp Nou for Paris, but rumours of his comeback have run throughout his stay at the Parc des Princes.

It's beginning to look more realistic a reunion could come about this summer, but PSG's need to secure funds or players in the other direction make a loan agreement more difficult.