Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down the chances of a Neymar return, saying it is “not the moment” to think about the superstar.
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“Not the moment” to think about Neymar return
Neymar, 33, left Al Hilal to return to Brazilian club Santos in January on a short-term deal.
The Brazil international said he remains open for a possible return to Europe later this year.
Recent reports suggest that Neymar is pushing to reunite with Barca, the club he left for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222 million transfer in 2017.
“Neymar’s a phenomenon and the important thing is that he’s happy,” Deco said in an interview with TNT Brasil.
“Being in Brazil makes him happy and that’s what he should think about. It’s not so much a financial issue for him.”
“I think if there was a situation in the future, it would have to be right for us and for him. Football teams are built with balance and cool heads.”
“Neymar was a phenomenon here, who did what he did here and won what he won, but sometimes these stories aren’t repeated.”
“It’s not the moment for Barcelona to be thinking about Neymar or him thinking about [coming back]. He’s at his club, Santos, and it’s the ideal place for him.”
Meanwhile. Barcelona coach Flick says it is not his role to decide whether the Catalan club should reunite with Neymar this summer.
Neymar back with the Brazil national team
Neymar, 33, has scored three goals and provided three assists since signing for Santos.
This impressive recent form has earned him a return to the Brazil national team after 17 months.
He has not featured for the Selecao since October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus rupture in a match against Uruguay.
“I hope he gets back in the national team,” Deco added.
“People that like football like that he’s happy again.”
