Focus on new players

Flick veto! Spectacular Barca return ruled out

Neymar (right) was once supposed to shape a new golden era with Lionel Messi.

(Bild: APA/EPA/ALBERTO ESTEVEZ)

Barca coach Hansi Flick has probably put a stop to a possible return of Neymar. The Brazilian had signaled his willingness for a transfer in the summer, but was rebuffed by the German. The 59-year-old would probably prefer to have a former European champion in the squad. 

Neymar once came to FC Barcelona as a celebrated star and was supposed to shape a new era with Lionel Messi and co. However, despite some successes, things did not go quite as planned and the Brazilian eventually moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a record fee in 2017. 

Now, the now 32-year-old probably wanted to give the Catalans a second try. Transfer expert Gerard Romero reports that Neymar is said to have made an offer to his former club. According to the report, he would even have accepted a significant reduction in salary to leave "desert" club Al-Hilal.

Williams will not come
However, the Brazilian still seems to have hit a snag with Flick. The former Bayern coach is said to have made it unmistakably clear to his new club that Neymar did not fit his desired player profile. Even if a transfer of dream player Nico Williams ultimately came to nothing, the German has identified alternatives. 

Federico Chiesa

(Bild: AP)

Federico Chiesa, for example, is considered a realistic option. The former European champion was left out of the Juventus squad and can look for a new club. Possibly a cheaper option for the cash-strapped Catalans. Milan kicker Rafael Leao would also fit in well with Flick's ideas. Neymar, on the other hand, is probably stuck in Saudi Arabia for the time being.