Transfer Centre

Barcelona presidential candidate insists Neymar is "welcome" back at club

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 21 December 2020

Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre says that Neymar must ask for forgiveness from the club over his legal battles, but the attacker will be welcomed back.

Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre has insisted that former star Neymar is welcome back at the club but the Paris Saint-Germain winger must first seek forgiveness after his legal disputes.

With the Brazilian attacker about to enter the final 18 months of his PSG deal, Neymar has been strongly linked with a switch back to Barcelona, and the former Blaugrana player has talked up a reunion with Lionel Messi in recent months.

However, Neymar has been involved in legal battles with the club over various bonuses, with the 28-year-old being ordered to pay Barcelona €6.7m (£6.1m) after losing a case back in June.

However, Farre has insisted that the winger will be welcomed back in Catalonia, telling RAC 1: "Neymar will be welcome but the first thing he has to do is withdraw his demands and ask for forgiveness.

"We have spoken to his people and they have told us about 'going home'. Who doesn't want the third-best player in the world on their team?

"There is an option of a transfer request, which would see him come for €40-45million (£37-41million). Messi and Neymar can play together at Barca next year. I am sure Messi does not want to leave."

PSG's sporting director Leonardo has previously confirmed that talks are underway regarding a new Parc des Princes deal for Neymar, who boasts nine goals and five assists in all competitions this season.