There was much speculation that Neymar might return to Barcelona this summer, but the transfer never materialized for several reasons.
After completing his medicals earlier today, the Brazilian is expected to officially join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on a permanent transfer.
The 31-year-old superstar has been given a big deal by the Middle Eastern club, and the transfer is estimated to have cost PSG €80 million (not including bonuses).
Neymar has not given up on the possibility of returning to Barcelona despite signing with Al Hilal.
Indeed, the attacking superstar wants to return to Catalonia when his contract with Al Hilal expires in two years, as reported by L’Equipe.
Neymar has agreed to a two-year contract with the Saudi Arabian giants that would run through 2025.
Earlier reports indicated that the Brazilian had tried and failed to persuade his new employers to allow him to join Barça on loan for a year.
Now that his contract in Saudi Arabia is ended, the Brazilian legend wants to leave for Barcelona.
Interestingly, it was just recently reported that Neymar had declared in private chats that he will not return to Barça as long as Xavi Hernandez is the team’s manager.
The majority of the club’s administration, including president Joan Laporta and sports directors Deco and Mateu Alemany, supported the Brazilian’s return this summer, but the 43-year-old tactician was against it.
Some resentment against the manager appears to have resulted, with reports claiming that Neymar will not return to the club as long as the latter is in control.
Two years from now, nobody knows if Neymar will get another chance to return to Barcelona.
