Xavi believes Barcelona would find it ‘very difficult’ to re-sign Neymar

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has said that the Blaugrana would find it very difficult to reacquire the services of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazil international made the switch to the French champions from the Camp Nou two years ago but reports have indicated that he would prefer to make a comeback ahead of next season.

Speaking to Movistar, Xavi said that Neymar remains one of the best players in the world and it would be an incredible signing for the Spanish champions. However, he added that the deal won’t come easy with Les Parisiens likely to demand in upwards of £200m for the former Santos graduate, he told: “He would be an incredible signing. But I see it as being difficult, honestly. I think it’s very difficult. We have seen so many things that I thought I’d never see though, such as PSG paying €222million, so we’ll have to wait. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best players in the world, but let’s see what Barcelona do.”

Barcelona are currently not in a position to sanction a world-record fee for the attacker, considering they are set to pursue Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for around £108m. As such, reports have suggested that they may discuss an exchange deal whereby there is no money involved for the transfer agreement.

The Blaugrana have made no mention regarding the same but reports suggest that Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic and Ousmane Dembele could be offered as makeweights to land the services of the Brazilian attacker. Barcelona have been a dominant force through La Liga over the years and last season saw them win the title with a comfortable 11-point gap.

They, however,have not been able to replicate the same at the European scale and have not won the Champions League since the 2014/15 season. That period saw the prime of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on the playing field and the supporters could witness a reunion of the attacking trident this summer.

Diego Costa Wants Antoine Griezmann To Stay Amid Barcelona Interest

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa does not believe Antoine Griezmann will leave the club during the summer transfer window. Costa is said to have been lured back to Atleti owing to Griezmann’s attempts, and the 29-year-old believes it would be unfair, if the Frenchman left after convincing him to rejoin his former employers.


Speaking in a press conference, Costa said: “He knows that we want him, that he is a very important player. He is still with us and he has not told me he is going yet. I would be happy for him to stay, everyone has to look for the best for themselves but, in my opinion, the best for him is to stay. He called me every day to tell me to return to Atletico and now he’s not going to leave me. That cannot be, he is going to stay.”

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