Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'pessimistic of signing Neymar'

By Étienne Fermie | 25 August 2019

Barcelona are reportedly pessimistic over their chances of re-signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, as they feel Real Madrid are now in the driving seat.

Barcelona are not confident that they will be able to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou this summer, according to a report.

Ernesto Valverde's side have been trying to re-sign the Brazilian all summer but have struggled to find a way to finance a deal.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana now do not believe that Paris Saint-Germain intend to sell the 27-year-old to them, and have accepted that Real Madrid could now be at the front of the queue.

RAC1 earlier reported that PSG had set a midday deadline on Friday for Barcelona to match their asking price, before deciding to prioritise negotiations with Bernabeu executives instead.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Friday that Neymar has trained fully with the rest of the squad this week, and could be in line to return to action against Toulouse on Sunday evening.

The former Barcelona man last featured in a friendly match for his country against Qatar in June in a game that saw him pick up the foot injury which ruled him out of the Copa America.