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After Coutinho’s departure, who do Barcelona trade for Neymar?

By Chiranjib Ghosh

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 19: Newly signed player Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen poses for a picture at Saebener Strasse training ground on August 13, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern-Pool/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 19: Newly signed player Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen poses for a picture at Saebener Strasse training ground on August 13, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern-Pool/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona have now let go of the bait in the Neymar deal

Paris Saint-Germain were beaten to the signature of Philippe Coutinho by Barcelona. They were trying to forge a Brazilian partnership up front which would leave Europe’s elite envious, but it didn’t work out in the end.

But that had meant that PSG were highly interested in Coutinho. Barça had been trying to use that to their advantage in negotiations to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou. The Parisians didn’t bite at first, but could have done so in the future.

But now, that door is closed forever. The ex-Liverpool man has joined Bayern Munich on loan for the season, with the Bavarians having an option to make the move permanent for a fee of €120 million. Therefore, Barça need a new strategy to sign Neymar.

PSG’s €250 million valuation cannot possibly be met in cash. In the first round of talks, they asked for Ousmane Dembélé, Ivan Rakitić and Nélson Semedo plus cash for Neymar. Now, the question is, who do Barça offer in exchange for Neymar?

With the exception of Lionel Messi and possibly Antoine Griezmann, no one in the squad is close to being as talented as Neymar. The management is also very reluctant to let go of Dembélé, after Valverde has made him into his pet project.

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Rakitić is also a huge favourite of the manager, while Semedo was guaranteed a first-team spot in exchange for rejecting an offer from Atlético Madrid. So, this leaves Barça in a huge dilemma as none of the players PSG have asked for are unhappy.

But in a deal of this magnitude, compromises need to be made. Apparently, PSG have agreed to loan out Neymar for a season before letting him go on a permanent basis, the method they used to sign Kylian Mbappé from AS Monaco.

Barça also may need to let go of Rakitić if Neymar is to return. If anything, the value of his experience has increased recently due to the poor performance of the young midfield in the 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the league opener.

Moreover, the Croatia international also found the back of the net on a couple of occasions in pre-season. But last season’s performances prove that he is not at the same level, and his market value will soon be taking a dip.

Before that happens, Barça should capitalise on the interest shown in him by PSG to sign Neymar. The club could also consider offering Arturo Vidal to PSG, or even let go of Nélson Semedo. Sergi Roberto could always return to right-back, with Moussa Wagué as backup.

dark. Next. Neymar: Luxury or necessity?

Regardless, this is an important question now that Coutinho is gone. Lest Neymar slip out of Barcelona’s hands, it needs to be addressed.