Three reasons why Barcelona should avoid signing Neymar in 2025

There has been growing speculation about the possibility of Neymar making a return to Barcelona in the summer of 2025. 

With reports circulating that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is planning a major signing to mark the club’s return to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, rumours have linked Neymar as a potential option. 

While Erling Haaland of Manchester City has long been seen as the top target, Neymar’s return is also being seen as a possibility due to his contract at Al-Hilal ending soon. 

However, bringing Neymar back might not be the best decision for Barcelona. Here are three reasons why the club should avoid re-signing the Brazilian superstar.

Injury problems

One of the biggest concerns with Neymar is his long history of injuries, which has severely impacted his playing time. Since his move to Al-Hilal in 2023, Neymar has only managed to make five appearances due to a serious ACL injury. 

His time at PSG was also plagued by frequent injuries. For instance, during the 2018/19 season, Neymar missed 33 games due to various injuries. The 2021/22 season was another example, as an ankle injury sidelined him for 76 days, resulting in 15 missed matches.

In the following season, Neymar underwent ankle surgery, keeping him out of action for 130 days and missing 17 crucial matches. This repeated pattern of being unavailable makes Neymar a risky signing for Barcelona. 

The club would need a consistent, reliable player to bolster their squad, and Neymar’s injury record suggests he wouldn’t be able to contribute regularly on the pitch.

Given the intense demands of modern football and Barcelona’s need for stability, Neymar’s injury-prone nature makes him a poor fit. 

Relying on a player who has been absent for long stretches over recent years would be a gamble, especially when the club is trying to build a squad capable of challenging for multiple trophies.

No place for Neymar in the current squad

There is no place for Neymar at Barcelona. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Although Neymar’s versatility allows him to play across various attacking positions, his preferred role is on the left side of the attack. 

This is a position already well-covered in Barcelona’s current squad. Ferran Torres and Raphinha are the main options for that role, and both have been integral parts of the team under Hansi Flick’s management. 

While Torres has faced criticism, Raphinha has excelled and established himself as a key player, delivering consistent performances that justify his place in the starting lineup. Neymar’s return would create a selection dilemma, and it is unclear where he would fit in. 

Additionally, Barcelona are expected to pursue Nico Williams in 2025, a move that would add further depth to their attacking options. If he arrives at the club, adding Neymar into the mix would only complicate matters and reduce the opportunities for other players. 

Signing Neymar at this stage would disrupt the development of younger talents and block their progression into the first team.

Financial constraints and exorbitant salary

Barcelona cannot afford to pay Neymar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

One of the most significant barriers to Neymar’s return to Barcelona is his enormous salary. At Al-Hilal, Neymar is reportedly earning around €100 million per year, which is five times the amount he was paid at Paris Saint-Germain. 

Barcelona are currently facing financial difficulties, with the club having to offload players and reduce wages to stay within their budget. 

Even if Neymar were to accept a lower wage than what he currently earns, it would still be far beyond what Barcelona could reasonably afford in their current financial state.

The club’s focus has been on managing their wage bill carefully, as seen with the departure of high-earning players like Ilkay Gundogan. 

Bringing Neymar back would be a burden on Barcelona’s financial situation, as they would struggle to accommodate his salary within their budget. 

Even if Neymar agrees to a pay cut, his wages would still likely be too high for the club to handle, especially when there are other pressing financial commitments to consider.

Barcelona need to prioritise financial stability, and splurging on Neymar’s wages would be a step in the wrong direction. The club cannot afford to repeat past mistakes of signing expensive players without considering the long-term financial consequences.

Conclusion

While the idea of Neymar returning to Barcelona might excite some fans, it is far from a sensible decision. His injury record, lack of a clear role in the squad, and astronomical salary make him an ill-suited option for a club that is already facing financial challenges. 

Barcelona need to focus on building a team for the future, and signing Neymar would only hinder that process. For these reasons, it’s clear that Barcelona are better off without bringing Neymar back in 2025.