Barcelona and Neymar not in talks over return despite rumours – Fabrizio Romano

Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that despite the recent rumours circulating, there have not been any discussions or communication regarding Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona this upcoming summer.

It has been seven years since Neymar left Barcelona to play for Paris Saint-Germain. For what it is worth, though, the Brazilian’s tenure in the French capital wasn’t as fruitful as he hoped, prompting a move to Saudi side Al Hilal in the summer of 2023.

However, after playing five matches for his new team, Neymar suffered a significant setback when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while representing his country in October 2023. 

Fast forward to January of this year, Al Hilal made the decision to remove Neymar from their team registration due to his season-ending injury, thereby opening up one of the eight foreign player slots on the roster.

No return on the cards

Given the current state of circumstances, rumours surfaced regarding his move back to Barcelona and it was quoted that the player would very much like to return to Catalonia.

Neymar will not return to Barcelona this summer. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

In light of these events, Romano has stated otherwise, saying that the Brazil international is only focused on his recovery as he wants to return to action for Al Hilal, who reportedly paid around €90 million for his acquisition.

“No price this summer for Neymar to return to Barcelona. According to my information, despite the rumours we had over the past few days, there are no discussions and no contacts for his return,” said the journalist on his YouTube channel

“Neymar is 100% focused on his Saudi journey. He is focused on his recovery as he wants to play for Al Hilal. So, Neymar at this stage is no discussing with Barcelona about a comeback,” he added. 

It must be noted that there were talks about Neymar possibly returning last summer as well, prior to his move to Saudi Arabia but nothing materialised.

After all, given Barcelona’s current financial situation, bearing the Brazilian superstar’s wages would be an impossible task.