Barcelona to replace Lionel Messi with Neymar? Reports in Spain suggest shock move

Barcelona are reportedly set to make ar attempt to bring Brazil international Neymar back to club. 28-year-old left club for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 in a world-record €222 million transfer. Since leaving club, Neymar has been frequently linked with a return to former club, with Barcelona also kwn to have shown some interest in a potential deal.

After being priced out a move last summer, if reports are to be believed, Barcelona abandoned any new approach for Brazilian due to expected financial hit in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2-8 drubbing in hands of Bayern Munich has reportedly forced Catalan giants to re-consider ir transfer strategy. ir dismal season alongwith reports suggesting Lionel Messi attempting to find ways of moving out of club means that hierarchy will be back in transfer market looking for a star replacement during upcoming transfer window.

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Barcelona interested in Neymar transfer AGAIN

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, who himself has come under immense pressure due to state of affairs at club, has reportedly identified Neymar as only player with necessary star quality to make an immediate impact at club. Barcelona were initially looking to bring Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez to club, who was considered to be perfect successor for ing Luis Suarez. It remains unclear if Catalan side will ditch ir attempts to sign Lautaro Martinez in order to bring Neymar back to Camp u. 

Alongside Kylian Mbappe, Neymar has been key attacking player for Ligue 1 champions, who will be hoping to end ir quest for a Champions League trophy this season. former Santos star was in good form during PSG's last match as y came from behind to beat Atalanta in UCL quarter-finals. French side will be up against RB Leipzig next in semi-final round. 

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It is highly unlikely that PSG will be keen on negotiating a deal for one of ir prized assets. However, club could be left with option but let him leave should Neymar push for a move. In order to bring price down for 28-year-old, Barcelona will be offering Antoine Griezmann in return, who has reportedly been put up for sale after a poor debut season. According to Sport, Barca will make an offer in region of £45-55 million plus Griezmann for Brazil international. 

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Meanwhile, club parted ways with Quique Setien on Monday. Setien leaves club in just eight months, having replaced Ernesto Valverde as he coach earlier this year. Former Barca player and current Nerlands coach Ronald Koeman is favourite to be named as new he coach of club as per recent reports in Spain.

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(Im Credits: PSG Twitter Handle)