According to a fresh report from SPORT, Barcelona have definitively ruled out the possibility of bringing Neymar back to the club, despite recent speculation and mutual interest between both parties.
The Brazilian star had been strongly linked with a surprise return to the Catalan side throughout the 2024/25 season, with both Joan Laporta, Hansi Flick and Deco being drawn into discussions regarding the feasibility of such a move.
Laporta, in particular, has long admired Neymar and reportedly expressed that sentiment during recent personal encounters.
Tactically speaking, Neymar’s profile as a left-winger who can also operate centrally aligns well with the qualities Barça are seeking in the transfer market.
He would also have arrived as a free agent, with his contract at Santos set to expire on June 30, and was even prepared to accept a modest salary of around €10 million, which fits within Barcelona’s wage structure.
On paper, it looked like a deal that suited all parties—low financial risk, mutual ambition, and the promise of a fairy-tale return. However, two decisive factors ultimately led the club to abandon the idea entirely.
The rise of Lamine Yamal
Barcelona will not sign Neymar again. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
Barcelona now boast a homegrown gem in Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old winger is dominating headlines across Europe and has already captivated the Barça faithful.
His explosive growth has effectively closed the door on any need for Neymar, especially in a role that Yamal has made his own.
Club insiders view Yamal as the future face of the team, the star to lead Barça into the next era, including the grand opening of the new Camp Nou.
Neymar’s physical instability
The second, and perhaps more critical factor, is Neymar’s ongoing struggle with injuries. Since rejoining Santos, he has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
A muscle injury has kept him sidelined for 76 days in total (34 days, followed by another 42). This unreliable physical condition makes him an unviable option for a club that needs consistency and availability, especially during a rebuilding phase.
In the end, what once seemed like a sentimental and tactical fit has been overtaken by Barcelona’s forward-thinking strategy. With Yamal shining and Neymar unable to stay fit, the club has made it clear that the Brazilian’s chapter at Barça is closed for good.