Former Barcelona coach Cesar Luis Menotti has claimed that Neymar is the best-placed player to act as Lionel Messi's successor at Camp Nou.
Neymar chalked up 105 goals in 186 appearances for La Blaugrana before sealing a record-breaking switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
However, the 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Camp Nou in recent weeks, and Menotti believes that the Brazil international would be a bigger hit in Catalonia than fellow transfer target Lautaro Martinez.
"Rumours about Neymar's possible return and Lautaro's signing are on the front pages these days and I understand fans are excited," Menotti wrote in his column for Sport.
"In a team that has a 'mother' idea and a [clear] functioning, it is much more likely that a great player will adapt. In that sense, we could say that Neymar has an advantage over Lautaro.
"Either of the two players would strengthen Barca's play, but the only player who can win games when the team doesn't deserve it is already there and that's Messi.
"The Brazilian forward is probably bored of football in Paris and now he needs another type of challenge. Neymar is still the player best placed to be the successor to Messi.
Neymar registered 13 goals and six assists for PSG in Ligue 1 this season prior to the coronavirus suspension.
Ben Knapton
