Barcelona rule out transfer for PSG superstar and Manchester United target Neymar
Spanish giants Barcelona will not pursue the signature of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar and Manchester United target Neymar this summer.
The Brazil international is expected to part ways with the Parisians in the upcoming transfer window. To that end, the Red Devils have been involved in discussions with the forward regarding a switch to the Old Trafford side.
In the past, Neymar has left the door open regarding a return to the Blaugrana. However, speaking in an interview on JijantesFC on Twitter (h/t Mirror), the Camp Nou side’s head coach Xavi ruled out an approach for the 31-year-old.
📺 DIRECTO @JijantesFC
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) June 8, 2023
🗣 Xavi sobre el rumor de una posible vuelta de Neymar al Barça:
🔗 ¡Entrevista directo en https://t.co/OGW0AKAWMl! pic.twitter.com/4j3OorzoCz
“I’m surprised… He’s not in our plans. I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities.”
Barcelona signed the Brazilian in the summer of 2013 from Santos. At the Blaugrana, the forward developed into one of the best players in the world.
However, in 2017, Neymar left the La Liga outfit and joined PSG. His time in Paris has been mixed. While the Brazilian has contributed admirably, injuries have hampered his stint.
Over the last few years, even with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the ranks, the Parc des Princes side have been unable to lift the Champions League title. They have underperformed over the last two campaigns.
Barcelona have the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres in their ranks. Thus, Xavi already has an abundance of talent up front.
As for United, we lack depth and quality in the number nine position. Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst were Erik ten Hag’s only natural striking options at the Old Trafford side in the last few months.
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Therefore, we could do with reinforcements in the attack. Neymar is a phenomenal player. With Barcelona seemingly out of the picture, it will evidently be easier for the Manchester-based club to entice the Brazilian.
