A return to Barcelona of Brazilian international superstar Neymar is a long-mooted one. The last two summers have seen speculation reach fever pitch about the forward’s return to Catalonia.
Now, Sky Sports are claiming that Barcelona could be set to make a move for the forward that would involve French forward Antoine Griezmann heading in the other direction in part-exchange when the next transfer window opens.
Reportedly the Blaugrana value Griezmann at £88million, while Neymar’s employers’ value the Brazilian at around £135million. The coronavirus is set to hit all levels of society when it comes to finances and football is not immune.
If Barcelona does want Neymar back, then they are not likely to be able to afford the whole transfer fee. That is where Griezmann comes in. The 29-year-old has not set Catalonia alight with his displays in a Barcelona shirt since his £105million move from Atletico Madrid last summer.
Messi.Neymar.Suárez.Goal. pic.twitter.com/7EhpAoWWYR— FC Barcelona (from 🏠) (@FCBarcelona) March 31, 2020
Messi.Neymar.Suárez.Goal. pic.twitter.com/7EhpAoWWYR
A return of eight goals in his 26 La Liga appearances is an underwhelming one for a forward playing at such a high-profile club. The Frenchman seems to have had difficulty connecting with the team’s main man Lionel Messi, which is a major problem.
Neymar had a very good understanding with the Argentinian, who will have just a year left on his contract this summer. Resigning the Brazilian may just encourage Messi to sign a new deal and see out the rest of his career at the Nou Camp.
On a football level, Neymar would be a very good signing for the Spanish champions. However, it is reported that certain high-ranking officials at the Catalan club are not keen on resigning the forward, mainly due to his reportedly questionable off-field activities in recent years.
However, if Barcelona did want to resign the forward, then using Griezmann as a makeweight in the deal would suit them. Selling the Frenchman could be another way of the Blaugrana financing a return to Catalonia of Neymar.
Either way, the French forward’s future with the champions could be in big doubt.