The alleged rift between Neymar and PSG owners was a factor in Barcelona’s rekindled interest to sign him—but football pundits have uncovered the ulterior motive.

Lionel Messi feels incomplete without Neymar.

According to Marca, Barcelona wants to sign the Brazilian football star to keep their Argentinian talisman happy.

Signing back Neymar from PSG is considered a necessity—not just to satisfy Messi—but to provide a better replacement now that Philippe Coutinho has almost completed a move to German club side Bayern Munich.

The sports tabloid adds that Neymar’s situation is Barca’s major challenge at the moment. Representative of the Spanish football club were in Paris earlier this week for negotiations with PSG owners. Media speculations, however, have it that a deal for the Brazilian ace is “nearly impossible.”

French newspaper Le Parisien said the move for Neymar “isn’t really serious and could be a bluff to keep Messi in a happy mood.”

Messi has been a long-time friend of Neymar even before the latter joined Barcelona. But the Messi-Neymar relationship was short-lived because the Brazilian wanted a Ballon d’Or, which he believed was unattainable within Messi’s shadow. A mega move to France provided an opportunity for individual trophies.

Unfortunately, PSG missed out in the 2018/19 Champions League, however, retaining their dominance in Ligue 1.

Reports from Spanish news outlets say “Messi wants to play alongside his former teammate at Camp Nou.”

Neymar also wants a return to Barcelona and his agents have made it clear that he is no longer comfortable with events at the club. His father insists there must be an agreement between PSG and Barca this summer.

The expected deal would be a complicated one, though, in terms of finances. It is therefore possible that the Catalan giants could try signing Neymar on loan initially. Exchanging players like Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic and Nelson Semedo in the deal may also provide a better option.

Barca’s loss to Athletic Club in their first 2019/20 La Liga campaign shows there are problems in the dressing room—and this may not be far-fetched from Neymar’s return saga. Without speculations on Messi’s interest in the deal, their defeat highlights the need for tested-and-proved legs to strengthen the attack. So, Messi might not be the only one asking for Neymar’s return.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/is-barcelonas-move-for-neymar-a-plot-to-satisfy-messi/

It's a plot to bring back a prodigal son.. Dey've not really replaced him ever since he left...