Barcelona tipped to sign either Neymar or Joao Felix

It seems strange that we’re talking about a marquee signing when we’ve spent the last 24 hours worrying about whether Barcelona will be able to register their current players, but that’s the life of a Barca fan these days. Now it seems as though PSG striker Neymar or Athletico Madrid forward Joao Felix will arrive before the transfer window shuts.

Both players have offered their services to Barca, and according to multiple reports in Spain, one of them is expected to arrive as the marquee signing of the summer.

There are several issues with either signing, not least the financial implication.

How could Barcelona sign Neymar or Joao Felix?

If Barca were to sign either, it would need to be on loan with an obligation to buy next summer. Although that’s just kicking the can down the road when it comes to financial commitments. It’s the eternal balance of a team over €1 billion in debt trying to stay competitive on the field.

In the case of Felix, it appears as though Barca would be able to cover 100% of his wages, although Xavi doesn’t appear to believe that the young Spanish striker fits into his style of play and has been reluctant to sign off on the deal.

With Neymar, Xavi doesn’t see him fitting his style, but he’s also concerned about the impact his arrival will have on the dressing room.

Barcelona currently has a number of young players like Fati, Abde, Yamal, Balde etc, and they’ve surrounded those players with positive locker-room characters like Oriol Romeu and Inigo Martinez and ilkay Gundogan. Neymar has always come with certain questions about his lifestyle and attitude, and there’s a chance that could upset the locker room, which could derail the entire season.

Off-field financial advantages area attracting the Barcelona board

If Barcelona are struggling for money and the manager doesn’t want either player, why would the La Liga champions sign them?

It all comes down to marketing.

Names like Neymar bring fans and sponsorship opportunities, so the financial gain could far outweigh the wage impact of bringing him back to Spain.

The powers that be at Barc are also concerned that fans won’t come to the  Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys without more star power. Remember that Barca will be away from Camp Nou this year due to renovations and they need to ensure that they sell out every game for financial purposes.

Both Neymar and Felix are being pushed to the outskirts at their current clubs, and both are looking for an escape, Barca can only sign one of them. Who would you prefer? Head over to our Twitter or Facebook and let us know.