Transfer Centre

Neymar 'to push for Barcelona return'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 22 November 2018

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is reportedly ready to push for a return to former club Barcelona, having previously been linked with Real Madrid.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is reportedly ready to push for a move back to former club Barcelona.

Neymar stunned the football world when he swapped Spain for France in a record £200m deal last year, but reports quickly emerged that he was unhappy in Paris and pining for a move back to Spain.

Real Madrid have long been regarded as favourites for his signature, but Goal.com reports that Barcelona have now set the wheels in motion for the Brazilian to return to Camp Nou.

The Spanish champions have reportedly begun 'Operation Neymar', making contact with the player in order to convince him to start pushing for a move away from PSG.

One of the steps involved would see Neymar acknowledge that he did not handle his exit from Barcelona well in an attempt to repair his relationship with the club's supporters.

Neymar would also likely need to take a pay cut in order to return, with Barca unable to match his €40m (£35.7m) salary - something the player is understood to be willing to consider.

All legal proceedings between the two parties would also need to be laid to rest, while Barca are hopeful that Neymar will kick off proceedings by publicly stating that he wants to leave PSG.

The 26-year-old has scored 41 goals in just 46 games for PSG, having netted 105 times in 186 appearances for Barcelona.