As far as reunions go, a return to Barcelona for Neymar would be a pretty surprising one, but it suddenly sounds like a real possibility.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, the Brazil star could be mulling a potential move back to his old La Liga club.
Currently on the shelf recovering from an ACL tear, Neymar will see his two-year contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal expire this coming summer, meaning he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with anyone as early as January should he wish to depart.
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There are growing rumors that Neymar could be eyeing a step up in competition from his current home as he prepares for a role with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, and his old Catalan home could be a great spot to do just that.
The Sport report claims that while Barcelona will put chasing Erling Haaland their top summer priority, the club is understandably aware that they will need a backup plan should they fall short of that lofty goal, and a reunion with Neymar could be part of the Plan B options. They have a way in through a strong relationship with Neymar's agent Pini Zahavi, who conveniently also represents current head coach Hansi Flick and star striker Robert Lewandowski.
The problem would be financials, as Barcelona have been strapped for cash for some time now and would be hard-pressed to offer anywhere close to what Neymar is making in Saudi Arabia. Yet if money isn't a stumbling block for the Brazil star after banking an estimated €320 million ($353.9m / £269.3m) for just five appearances at Al Hilal, it could be a match.
After being out for over a year with his serious knee injury, Neymar would be needing club minutes to prepare himself for a World Cup journey, after which he could reconsider his long-term career prospects. At 32 years old, Neymar isn't exactly at the age at which a star of his caliber often mulls retirement, but a career marred by consistent injuries has left many wondering if he may call time on a glittering yet frustrating football journey.
Still, in the short term, he must sort out his club situation ahead of the World Cup to prove himself ready for selection with Brazil. He is expected to return from injury somewhere in early November, and will likely look to finish out the season with Al Hilal unless he requests a move away as soon as January.
If a sensational return to Barcelona doesn't materialize for financial or other reasons, there are options. He could look to move home to the Brazilian Serie A, where his former side Santos could come calling, or he could look to sign with a perennial Copa Libertadores contender Flamengo, who have already stated their interest in the possibility (although signing with another club in the Brazilian capital such as Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, or Corinthians would make enemies of his boyhood club).
It is also possible that other Champions League clubs in Europe could be interested, willing to take what may be a low-cost shot at Neymar returning to his former self after injury. A return to PSG feels unlikely with the French giants moving away from the old strategy of compiling superstars, but there were reports in the summer of contact with transfer-loose Chelsea.
