In Barcelona, they planned to hire a superstar during the summer to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou. Desires are one thing, possibilities and reality are something completely different. The Argentine will go to MLS, the Catalan club’s plans backfired, and Spanish ‘Sport’ published the information that Neymar wants to return, but it was not known whether he is in Xavi’s ideas. Not much time passed, and Barca’s coach made sure that these were just rumours. Xavi: “Neymar to Barça rumours? It’s a surprise. He’s not on the list. I love him very much, he’s my friend, but he’s not in the planning for next season.” pic.twitter.com/TjnY5hthb7— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 8, 2023 Xavi talked in length about the upcoming seasons, with the emphasis obviously being on the upcoming transfer window, but was kind of surprised when Neymar’s name came up in the conversation. “Neymar? It’s a surprise that his name has come out. In theory, Neymar is not in our plans. I like him a lot, but we have different priorities” Xavi told journalist Gerard Romero.Messi’s ‘no’ might hurt Barca, but this ‘yes’ could turn the tables thoroughlyBarcelona coach admitted he has three plans for the June transfer window and that he needs to talk to the president and sports director first, as well as to the players he intends to sell. “We are clear about the scenarios, plan 1, plan 2 and plan 3. I am always optimistic and I think we are going to reinforce ourselves well. We are having meetings with the sports sector and the president, if we have to talk to a footballer, we can do it by phone or Zoom. We would need a right-back in a natural position, but there are other priorities. Jules has understood, Sergi Roberto is also more comfortable as a midfielder than a winger. We want to test Araujo. He has adapted very well, he is fast, he has personality. Balde himself exploded last preseason. As for potential Busquets replacement, he has to be a top pivot, and he is a very important position for us and he has to be a level player, the closest thing to Busquets” explained Xavi. So far, Neymar has three options: to stay in PSG, leave for England (if he manages to get a loan to Manchester United or Chelsea) or go to Saudi Arabia and follow Cristian Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.##NAJAVA_MECA_7306292##
