Neymar is reportedly eyeing a dramatic return to Barcelona this summer, with the experienced forward making the move to Santos in order to 'audition' for a high-profile switch at the end of the campaign.
The 33-year-old's disappointing spell with Al-Hilal recently came to an end, with the forward only managing one goal in seven appearances during his time in Saudi Arabia, having struggled with a number of fitness problems.
Neymar completed an emotional return to his first club Santos at the end of January, but he only has a deal with the Brazilian outfit until the end of the campaign, when he will assess his options.
According to Cadena SER, the Brazilian's objective is to return to European football this summer, and he is planning to prove that he can still perform at the highest level with his performances for Santos in the coming months.
The report claims that Neymar is determined to secure a return to Barcelona, which he hopes will open the door for him to return to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
© Imago
Neymar 'eyeing spectacular Barcelona return' this summer
Neymar took a significant pay cut in order to return to Santos, and it is understood that he would not ask Barcelona for substantial wages due to the Catalan outfit's ongoing financial problems.
Once regarded as one of the best players in the world, Neymar previously represented Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, scoring 105 goals and registering 76 assists in 186 appearances for the Catalan outfit.
The Brazilian won two La Liga titles, the Champions League and three Copa del Rey crowns during his time at Camp Nou, forming a devastating attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, and he scored 118 goals and registered 77 assists in 173 appearances for the French giants before leaving European football behind for Saudi Arabia.
The experienced forward's time with Al-Hilal was overshadowed by injuries, though, and an unsuccessful spell came to an end at the end of January, with his contract being terminated by mutual consent.
Should Barcelona explore a move for Neymar?
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed that his club want to sign a left-sided forward this summer.
"We have players who can play in various positions: [Dani] Olmo, Raphinha, Fermin [Lopez]... but it's true that we might be missing a player on the left wing," Raphinha told SPORT.
"It's not that it's an absolute priority because Raphinha is performing perfectly and Fermin can play there even though it's not his position. If you look at the squad, maybe we could have one more player there."
At his best, Neymar was an absolute superstar, but there have to be concerns about his recent injury record, and unless the forward enjoys a spectacular few months with Santos, then it is very difficult to imagine the move being a possibility.
There is likely to be European interest in the South American if his wage demands are not substantial, though, so his time at the highest level might not be finished despite his recent career struggles.
Matt Law
