Barcelona have reportedly received a boost in their hopes of re-signing former attacker Neymar, as Bayern Munich do not have a serious interest in the Santos winger.
Despite only rejoining his boyhood club in January after a failed stint with Al-Hilal, Neymar is already believed to be eyeing a return to European football in the summer transfer window.
The 33-year-old's time in Saudi Arabia was marred by perpetual injury problems, but he has hit the ground running in his native Brazil with three goals and three assists from seven appearances.
Neymar is only under contract with Santos until the end of the June, though, and he is understood to view his stint with his boyhood team as a possible audition for a return to Europe.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker supposedly still believes that he has a lot to offer to a Champions League-competing club, leading to inevitable talk of an audacious return to Barcelona.
Bayern 'not considering' Neymar approach this summer
© Imago
Neymar's agent Pini Zahavi was said to have held discussions with both La Blaugrana and Bayern Munich over a summer transfer, as the German giants could wave goodbye to Leroy Sane this summer.
However, journalist Florian Plettenberg has stressed that talk of Neymar heading to the Allianz Arena this summer is 'wide of the mark', and Vincent Kompany's side are not considering a move for him right now.
Nevertheless, Plettenberg adds that Barcelona are indeed interested in welcoming Neymar back to Camp Nou, where he excelled alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for three years from 2014 to 2017.
Neymar amassed a staggering 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches for Barcelona during his first spell, and he is said to be willing to take a significant wage cut to return to Catalonia.
The winger could still continue his career in South America, though, as Santos are optimistic that they will agree a contract extension with Neymar to run until the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar to Barcelona: A fairytale ending or a closed chapter?
🚨🔴 Many new rumours linking FC Bayern with #Neymar are wide of mark!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 14, 2025
The 33-y/o is a top and experienced player, but he is currently not a topic at Bayern.
Staying in Brazil or moving to another top European club in the summer is possible. Barcelona remain interested.... pic.twitter.com/VfRBgTjQcp
No other Barcelona front three may be able to strike fear into the hearts of teams as MSN did, but Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski sure are giving it a good go.
Hansi Flick's current offensive trident have been one of the most prolific attacks on the continent this season, amassing an astounding 73 goals between them in all competitions as Barcelona chase a La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana quadruple.
La Blaugrana need no help in the final third, and Neymar could not expect to immediately become an undisputed starter again, but there still might be a place for him at Camp Nou.
Ansu Fati will seemingly leave at the earliest possible opportunity, while Ferran Torres - who has a respectable 11 goals of his own this season - may also look for regular minutes elsewhere.
Neymar's injury record is of course worrying, but if he really is willing to accept a mammoth pay cut and a bit-part role - while also maintaining the form that he is showing at home right now - there may be more pros than cons to his return, even if it is brief.
Ben Knapton
