With the transfer window slamming shut on 2 September, the most dramatic episode of the summer- Neymar’s possible return to Barcelona- also comes to an anti-climatic end.
From the time Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi had stated that he will not be tolerating celebrity behavior at PSG, there were speculations regarding Neymar’s departure from the club. Later, Neymar himself had expressed his desire for a reunion with his former team Barcelona.
Initially, Barcelona were the only team bidding for him but then their arch-rivals Real Madrid also joined the race to try and rope in the superstar Brazilian winger. Despite multiple offers being made by both the clubs to PSG, the Ligue 1 side rejected all bids. This led to Real Madrid losing interest in Neymar but Barca maintained the pressure and kept on trying until the last day of the transfer window.
In fact, it is a widely reported fact that a lot of players in the Barcelona dugout wanted Neymar back in their team. According to a report carried by Marca, the players at Barca feel cheated by the club as they were not able to sign Neymar. They have even reportedly made that known to the manager Ernesto Valverde and President Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Even Ivan Rakitic does not seem to be happy with the club since he was used as a bait to persuade PSG to sell Neymar.