The short-lived saga involving Neymar and Barcelona appears to finally be coming to an end.
With Neymar and PSG formalizing an exit strategy and Ousmane Dembele’s departure leaving a spot vacant in the front line, rumours of the South American potentially donning the Blaugrana jersey this summer began to intensify.
However, despite sections of the Blaugrana hierarchy showcasing interest in the player initially, Neymar is set to sign with the Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal.
One of the key reasons for Neymar’s move to Barcelona failing to materialize was the lack of enthusiasm over the acquisition by Xavi.
Xavi was against the move
As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, director of football Mateu Alemany, new sporting director Deco, and vice-president Rafael Yuste were all in favour of bringing Neymar back to Catalonia, but Xavi has been against it since the start.
Neymar’s own insistence on fulfilling his long-desired reunion heightened the possibility of a comeback, but Xavi’s reservations ended up obstructing the player’s return.
Although Xavi was not completely sold on the idea, Laporta, the president of the Catalan giants, was said to be keen on the transfer.
Neymar’s brand and public image would have undeniably helped Barça attract attention playing in the less iconic Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou undergoes refurbishment.
However, contrary to a large chunk of the board’s perception, Xavi saw Neymar as a luxury signing that Barca did not need.
The 31-year-old’s off-field baggage and attitude problems were cited as problems that could disrupt the dressing room which is filled with young players
Before officially being declared as an Al-Hilal player, in which he would sign a two-year contract with no possibility of extension, the Brazilian international is undergoing his medicals, which completely shuts the door for a potential move to Barça now.
