Neymar a step away from Saudi Arabia… and Barca loan?

Now the final dance over Neymar's future has begun. RMC announced that Neymar is one step away from leaving PSG after the Parisian club and Saudi club Al Hilal reached an agreement in principle for an unspecified sum. Barça were aware of the deal and the possibility that Al Hilal could loan the Brazilian to the Blaugrana on good terms, as Neymar has demanded in order to agree to play in the Saudi league in the future.

The operation, which has been several weeks in the making and involves several intermediaries - Pini Zahavi, one of them - has already taken the first and perhaps the most complicated step. The Qatari-owned PSG had accepted the sale of the player to a Saudi Arabian club. The proposal was important and could exceed 100 million euros. PSG and Neymar had never negotiated the termination of his contract because neither of the parties saw a possible agreement. 

From there comes Neymar's determination to continue in Europe for a year and to fulfil his dream of returning to Barça. As we have been explaining in SPORT, the Brazilian looks favourably on the Saudi multi-million dollar proposal as long as they allow him to play for a year as a loan player for the Blaugrana. RMC also noted the possibility that this three-way operation could be successful. Ney is very keen to return and succeed again at Barça and he will fight for it. He also thinks it would be good to continue in Europe for another year to prepare for the important 2024 Copa America in the United States.

Barça have been in constant contact with all parties pending the resolution of the transfer. It is worth remembering that the president, Joan Laporta, met with the president of the Saudi Arabian Federation together with Pini Zahavi at the end of May and relations are excellent. And the option of a loan of the player on very favourable conditions would be open.

The Blaugrana have already made it clear that they can only contribute a net fee of 12 million for one season, so the terms of the loan would have to be linked to a commercial agreement with the Saudi Arabian side on a much larger scale. Barça were only contemplating Ney's return if it was through a deal with a Saudi team as it was unfeasible to sign him directly from PSG or on loan from PSG.

Neymar's enthusiasm is total and this was revealed in SPORT by captain Sergi Roberto, who assured that he had spoken to the Brazilian and that he was eager to return. Whether the operation is viable or not will be seen in a few hours and if it is, Xavi would give the OK to his return, understanding that it is an absolutely important strategic signing for the club.