Barcelona End Neymar Comeback Plans, Put Full Trust in Lamine Yamal
Barcelona have reportedly decided to abandon any plans to re-sign Neymar, citing his persistent injury issues and the rapid emergence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. According to SPORT, the club has “definitively ruled out” a return for the Brazilian star, once a Camp Nou icon, due to concerns over his fitness and the club’s future direction.
While president Joan Laporta had seriously considered the move during the season—viewing Neymar as a potential free agent acquisition after his contract with Santos expires on June 30—the idea has now been scrapped. The report makes it clear that the proposal wasn’t mere media speculation but a real option supported at the highest levels of the club.
However, Neymar’s physical condition proved to be a decisive factor. Since rejoining Santos from Al Hilal in February, he has spent more time sidelined than on the pitch. Barcelona’s technical staff concluded that investing in the 32-year-old would be a gamble, especially with Yamal already making waves as the club’s next attacking talisman.
Instead, the club is fully committed to building around Yamal, who they view as the new face of Barça at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, the club is also working behind the scenes to strengthen its management structure. Talks are ongoing with Tim Steidten, the former West Ham director, as part of an effort to modernize and reinforce Barcelona’s sporting operations, according to Fabrizio Romano.
With the Neymar chapter now definitively closed, Barça’s focus shifts to a youth-driven future—and to smarter, more sustainable moves on and off the pitch.
