Barcelona faithful’s hopes of seeing Neymar in Blaugrana colours might be ruined by the riches of the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain are willing to walk their separate ways six years after the Brazilian stunned the football world by deciding to leave Camp Nou in a record-breaking deal.
With Ousmane Dembélé – the player who was signed to replace Neymar – off to PSG this summer, Barca have seemingly positioned themselves to explore a move for the 31-year-old. However, they face competition from Saudi outfit Al Hilal for his signature.
Neymar is reportedly keen to return to Barcelona. Still, in the event he also shows a willingness to move to the middle east without winning his second Champions League trophy, the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to go toe-to-toe with Al Hilal on the financial front.
Barcelona linked with Joao Felix amid Neymar’s talks with Al Hilal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Neymar and Al Hilal are in advanced talks with ‘official documents already sent’ to the player’s side.
It’s understood that he’s tempted by the possibility to join the Riyadh-based side, who were involved in a high-profile Arab Club Champions Cup final with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr this Saturday.
Romano adds that the Blaugrana could try to re-activate their pursuit of Joao Felix in the coming days if Neymar opts to snub his former club.
The 23-year-old, like Neymar, can lead Barca’s frontline from the left flank, and also play through the middle, but his inferior goal-scoring numbers means his transfer is not going to generate the same level of buzz as the Brazil legend’s return.
However, as far as the deal for Felix is concerned, the ball appears in the court of Barcelona, as Atletico Madrid are open to selling the Portuguese star. More importantly, he’s also believed to be determined to join Xavi’s side.