Barcelona has two conditions for Neymar's return to be considered

Spanish media are already writing as if Neymar is back in a Barcelona shirt.

The forward recently signed a contract with Santos until the summer of 2025, with an eye on his next adventure. According to Marca, Neymar wants to prepare himself at a higher level for the 2026 World Cup, and he sees Barcelona as the ideal place to do so.

Neymar’s desire to return to Barcelona is not just about nostalgia; it is also a strategic move. At 32 years old, the Brazilian forward knows that his chances of playing a leading role in the 2026 World Cup depend on his ability to regain form and stay injury-free. European football, and especially Barcelona, would provide him with the level of competition needed to achieve this goal. Neymar remains a highly marketable player, and his return to the Camp Nou would likely generate massive media attention and commercial opportunities for both the player and the club.

Several factors work in Neymar’s favor. He has a strong relationship with Barcelona’s current star player, Raphinha, who has openly spoken about his admiration for his Brazilian compatriot. Additionally, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, considers Neymar his idol, and his arrival could provide invaluable mentorship for the youngster. Another major advantage for Neymar is his agent’s strong connection with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which could play a key role in facilitating negotiations.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, all of this is not enough to make Neymar’s return to Barcelona possible. The Catalan newspaper reports that Laporta has two key conditions before considering bringing Neymar back to the club. First, Barcelona does not want to pay a transfer fee for Neymar, which seems feasible given his contract with Santos is set to expire. The club’s financial struggles in recent years mean they must be extremely cautious with their spending, and a free transfer would be the only viable option.

Secondly, Neymar must prove over the next six months that he is physically capable of performing at the highest level. Since suffering a major injury while playing for Al-Hilal, Neymar’s fitness has been a significant concern. His ability to withstand the demands of top-level European football is questionable, and Barcelona is wary of taking a gamble on a player who has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years.

Since the end of the 2022 World Cup, the forward has played only a handful of matches for Al-Hilal, Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil, and Santos. His stint in Saudi Arabia was particularly disappointing, as injuries limited his impact, and Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus even chose not to register Neymar for the Saudi Pro League, stating that he "could not handle the level." That decision was a clear indication of how far Neymar’s stock had fallen.

So far, Neymar has made three appearances for Santos, playing 45 minutes, 74 minutes, and 67 minutes in consecutive matches in the São Paulo state championship. While these performances have shown glimpses of his brilliance, it remains uncertain whether he can sustain his form over an extended period without breaking down physically.

Barcelona is expected to closely monitor Neymar’s progress at Santos before making any formal move. His performances, fitness levels, and ability to play consecutive matches without issues will all be taken into consideration. If Neymar fails to meet the club’s expectations, Barcelona is unlikely to proceed with the transfer, regardless of his history with the team.

Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona remains a topic of debate among fans and analysts. Some believe that his experience and talent could provide a much-needed boost to a Barcelona squad that is undergoing a transitional phase. Others argue that signing an injury-prone, aging star would go against the club’s philosophy of building for the future.

For now, the ball is in Neymar’s court. If he can prove his worth at Santos and demonstrate that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level, his dream of returning to Barcelona may become a reality. However, if doubts persist about his fitness and consistency, Laporta and Barcelona’s management may ultimately decide that bringing Neymar back is not a risk worth taking.