Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain might be closer than ever in finalizing the Neymar deal which has been looking likely since the previous summer.
As per Express, Barcelona are closer than ever in bringing back Neymar to Camp Nou. The Ligue 1 giants have apparently changed their minds regarding the conditions of the deal.
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It should be noted that this is not the first time that a deal between PSG and Barcelona has hit the waters and La Liga leaders have failed on numerous occasions in the past one year. However, by the looks of it, the deal might finally come to life.
Valued at £194 million, it was always clear that Barcelona weren’t willing to pay the entire sum in cash. They were always going to go for the options of a player plus cash deal or just cash in installments. However, the Ligue 1 champions demanded a one-time payment for the Brazilian forward.
With almost all the clubs across the globe suffering a massive financial hit due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the suspension of games due to it, it is likely that we might come across many player exchange transfers in the coming window.
Barcelona are likely to be ready to exchange Antoine Griezmann for Neymar. The Frenchman is one of the top targets at the Parc des Princes and he hasn’t quite enjoyed a fruitful first season at Barcelona. Moreover, with Mbappe’s contract set to run out in 2022, the Parisians will look to keep him happy at all costs and bringing in his national teammate in Griezmann is one of the ways.
It is clear that PSG do not want to stand in the way of their record-signing if he does decide to leave and that is why the deal is likely to go through. Barcelona will consider the job half-done as the French giants finally seem to have given up their hopes of a change of mind from Neymar.
The Catalans do need Neymar as their attack hasn’t quite looked like what it was back in 2014, when the club won the treble. Their attack has failed to deliver under pressure and their former superstar brings in the experience as well as the quality to help the club succeed under crunch situations.
Having said that, Neymar could also be Messi’s successor at the club. However, on the flipside of the coin, he’s 28 at the moment and there are quite a few talented young forwards who have many more years of football left in them as compared to the Brazilian. For instance, Lautaro Martinez is one of the hottest prospects in Europe and even he could be a long-term option for the club. However, Barca are in need of some stability at the moment and Neymar is the best option available.