Barcelona had gone to extreme lengths to secure Neymar from PSG.
According to multiple top tier reports, Barcelona were reportedly close to signing Neymar and bringing him back to the Nou Camp in 2019. The Catalans had reportedly offered three players plus cash for the Brazilian.
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According to Sport, Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona had offered 110 million euros to Paris Saint-Germain plus Ivan Rakitic, Jean Clair Todibo, and Ousmane Dembele on loan in exchange for the Brazilian superstar. It is no secret that after the departure of Neymar, things at Camp Nou went down a level in terms of attack.
The Catalan giants went to great heights to bring the former Santos superstar back, however, this deal did not fall through as Paris Saint-Germain wanted 30 million euros more in cash. Hence, the French giants were demanding a total of 140 million euros plus the three players in order to let Neymar head back to the Nou Camp for a reunion. Reports also suggest that the deal was all set as the Brazilian had agreed to go back to La Liga. Unfortunately, the deal did not materialize as PSG refused to sell unless and until the Blaugrana paid those extra 30 million euros.
Neymar Jr was a huge influence at Barca and his link-up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez formed one of the greatest front three trios of all-time. With the Uruguayan now gone to Atletico Madrid, even a Neymar return to the Nou Camp will not be as satisfactory. The former Santos forward was keen on head back to put on the Blaugrana colours again but it looks like for just 30 million more, this deal did not fall through.
The Spanish giants have not been at their best for many years now. Although they have won the La Liga multiple times over the years, their performances in Europe have been consistently poor as they have been extremely unlucky. A possible return for Neymar Jr to the club seems highly unlikely now especially given the current financial situation at the club.
Should Barca make another attempt at signing Neymar?