Barcelona's sporting director Deco expects Neymar to continue his career in Brazil. The former midfielder also stated that "a return to Spain would be a hellish operation."
As long as there remains even a slim possibility of Neymar returning to Barcelona, rumors surrounding the Brazilian star and his former club will continue to surface.
In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, weighed in on the speculation, offering both insights and caution. "A return of Neymar has always been a distant possibility," Deco acknowledged. "But since his move to Saudi Arabia, we’ve understood that he is a very expensive player with significant financial demands. That complicates a potential comeback, but I haven’t ruled it out yet."
The financial aspect is, perhaps, the most significant barrier to any such move. Neymar's transfer to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain was accompanied by a lucrative contract, reflective of the substantial resources of Saudi clubs. Barcelona, meanwhile, has faced its own financial challenges in recent years, grappling with salary caps and budgetary constraints imposed by La Liga. Deco’s comments underline the difficulty of reconciling Neymar’s financial expectations with Barcelona’s fiscal realities, even as the club continues to rebuild both its squad and financial stability.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Deco was effusive in his praise for Neymar, emphasizing his enduring quality as a footballer. "At his best and when fit, he is one of the best players in the world," Deco remarked. "He still is, and he always will be. He would be welcome at any club in the world." Such accolades reflect not only Neymar’s technical brilliance but also his ability to influence games at the highest level, a quality that has defined much of his career.
Deco also offered a glimpse into what he believes lies ahead for the 31-year-old forward. While acknowledging Neymar’s ability to play at a top level, Deco suggested that the Brazilian might opt for a return to his roots. "I definitely see him returning to a high level. But I think he will go back to Brazil," he said. This comment aligns with growing speculation that Neymar is considering a move back to his boyhood club, Santos.
Santos, where Neymar began his professional career and rose to international prominence, holds a special place in the player’s heart. A return there would not only be a sentimental decision but also a practical one as Neymar seeks to regain match fitness and confidence following a challenging period. Having recently recovered from a serious ACL injury, Neymar has yet to re-establish himself on the pitch. His current club, Al-Hilal, did not register him for the Saudi Pro League, further fueling rumors of an imminent departure.
Deco, a former midfielder with illustrious stints at Porto, Barça, and Chelsea, concluded his remarks with personal advice for Neymar, emphasizing the importance of joy and well-being. "The most important thing is that he starts playing again. It will bring him joy, as well as to those around him," Deco noted. "Honestly, I don’t yet know what he will decide. His happiness is the most important thing."
For Neymar, happiness and career stability may indeed lie in returning to Santos. Reports suggest that a loan move to the Brazilian club is the most likely option, given that his contract with Al-Hilal runs until the summer. A stint at Santos would allow Neymar to get regular playing time in a familiar environment, rebuild his form, and perhaps recapture the joy of playing that has been overshadowed by injuries and off-field issues in recent years.
The possibility of Neymar returning to Santos also resonates deeply with Brazilian fans, many of whom regard him as one of the nation’s greatest talents. His return could reinvigorate not only Santos but also the Brazilian league, drawing attention and excitement to domestic football. It would also mark a full-circle moment for Neymar, bringing his career back to where it all began.
While the long-term future remains uncertain, Neymar’s immediate focus will likely be on recovering fully and rediscovering his rhythm on the pitch. Whether that leads to a sensational return to Barcelona, a triumphant homecoming at Santos, or another chapter entirely, Neymar’s next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts worldwide. For now, as Deco aptly put it, the priority is clear: "His happiness is the most important thing."
