Transfer Centre

Barcelona concede defeat in Neymar pursuit?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 11 July 2020

Barcelona concede defeat in their pursuit of Neymar amid financial concerns arising from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.

Barcelona have reportedly conceded defeat in their attempts to bring Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar back to Camp Nou this summer.

The Brazilian has been persistently linked with a sensational reunion to Catalonia, where he notched up 105 goals in 186 appearances before departing for the French capital.

However, big-money transfer dealings are unlikely to materialise in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and Neymar would command a hefty figure with two years left to run on his PSG contract.

According to Marca, Barca have accepted that they will not have the financial capabilities to bring Neymar back to Camp Nou, and PSG have no intention of selling one of their most prized assets.

The report also claims that previously-linked Real Madrid have also ruled out the possibility of tabling an offer for the attacker, and the Barcelona hierarchy are keen to quash any speculation so as to not mislead Blaugrana supporters.

Neymar amassed 13 goals and six assists in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign before the season was curtailed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.