Barcelona fans have long speculated about the return of Neymar, one of the club’s most electrifying players in recent history. After leaving the Saudi Pro League, the Brazilian star has returned to Santos, where he first made his name, and has already shown glimpses of brilliance.
But while a move back to the new Spotify Camp Nou seems like a dream for many supporters, Barcelona has reportedly set an unusual condition before even considering his return.
According to Sport, the Catalan club has informed Neymar that he must score at least 15 goals for Santos before they will even entertain the idea of signing him. “Score 15 goals with Santos, and we’ll reconsider signing you,” the Blaugrana’s management reportedly stated. This requirement highlights the club’s cautious approach as they assess whether Neymar can still perform at the highest level before bringing him back.
Despite being one of the most talented players of his generation, the veteran forward has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years. The club wants to see him demonstrate that he still has the capability to influence games regularly before making any commitment.
Neymar’s reported desire to return
The Brazilian forward has never hidden his love for Barcelona, and his name continues to be linked with the club whenever transfer speculation arises. However, his potential return is about more than just nostalgia. At 33 years old, Neymar knows that proving himself in his home country could be the perfect stepping stone toward the 2026 World Cup, where he would be 34 years old and potentially playing in his last major international tournament.
Returning to Spain could serve as the ideal preparation, allowing him to compete in La Liga and possibly the Champions League once again. However, meeting Barcelona’s conditions is just the first step.
Barcelona’s skepticism and financial concerns
While Neymar’s willingness to return is clear, Barca is in no rush to bring him back. The club wants to evaluate his physical and technical condition during the European summer before making a decision. His history of injuries remains a major concern, and the club is unsure whether he can regain the explosiveness that once made him one of the most feared attackers in soccer.
Even if Neymar meets the club’s goalscoring requirement, his return is not guaranteed. The Blaugrana continues to struggle with financial constraints, and signing a high-profile player with significant wage demands would not be an easy decision. With Hansi Flick reportedly skepticalabout Neymar’s ability to fit into a high-intensity system, the final decision could be influenced as much by tactical considerations as by financial ones.
