David Ornstein drops Neymar transfer bombshell out of nowhere as talks already underway for 'remarkable' deal

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has issued an update on the future of Neymar after the Brazilian signed for Santos in January.

Neymar, 32, returned to his native country of Brazil in the winter transfer window after enduring a torrid spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal – playing just seven games for the club.

However, since his return to his boyhood team, Santos, he has shown glimpses of his former self with two goals and three assists in just six appearances for the Sao Paulo outfit.

Because he has been in the public eye from an early age, it is easy to forget that Neymar is still at the ‘peak’ age for a footballer.

He is just 131 days older than the in-form Mohamed Salah, who is the Premier League's top goal scorer with 25 goals in 17 league appearances for Liverpool this term.

So, if Neymar can put together a consistent run of good form, could he return to Europe?

Well, as you may well know he has been successful in Spain with Barcelona and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

On Thursday evening, Ornstein revealed exactly what he thinks could happen next for the Brazilian via The Athletic.

Neymar in action for Santos (Credit:Getty)

“The remarkable situation currently being explored and prioritised is a return to Barcelona. Nothing has been decided but I’m told this would be his dream and discussions are taking place between the Catalan giants and his camp,” he wrote.

“Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Neymar’s representative Pini Zahavi have a close relationship and I think Zahavi also looks after Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. Neymar’s big motivation will be the 2026 World Cup and playing at Barcelona, in the rebuilt Camp Nou has fairytale potential. A lot would need to happen for this to materialise, but it’s possible and a tantalising prospect!"

The Brazilian forward left the La Liga outfit back in 2017 when he signed for PSG as part of a deal reportedly worth €222 million (£200 million) - a world record transfer fee.

Now almost eight years on, he would, no doubt, bring valuable experience to Hansi Flick's youthful Barca side. Although a starting spot would not be guaranteed with the likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal seemingly being the German's favoured front three.

Yamal, 17, has been vocal about his admiration for Neymar and previously described him as "incredible".

"The way Neymar played, his personality, I loved it," Yamal told CNN in January.

"After school, we would meet at a friend's house to watch Neymar's videos. Then I’d go home and try to imitate him in my room."