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The biggest transfer rumor making the rounds this season has been about Neymar's sensational return to FC Barcelona.
The 27-year-old left the Catalan club in the summer of 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain for a record transfer fee of €222 million. But Neymar's PSG career has been marred by injuries and several off-field controversies, due to which rumors regarding his departure from the Parisian club have surfaced.
Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid are also in the running to sign the Brazilian forward. However, reports in France suggest that a return to Barcelona is more likely.
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In case Neymar's return to Camp Nou materializes, it'll include Philippe Coutinho in the deal as PSG have reportedly agreed to accept a player in exchange.
With all the transfer rumors revolving around Neymar's grand return to the Catalan club, it must be noted that Neymar hasn't reached his full potential at PSG and could still have a career-defining run at the Parisian club.
Here, we take a look at three reasons why Neymar should give his PSG career another chance.
#3 Bad blood between Barcelona and Neymar
Neymar left FC Barcelona in 2017, and things did not end on good terms as the club felt he left them at a vulnerable stage. Barcelona had an unimpressive run in the 2016-17 season as they were only able to win the Copa del Rey title, following which manager Luis Enrique departed and was replaced by Ernesto Valverde.
During the pre-season tour the Barcelona players desperately tried to keep the Brazilian at the club. However, he had made up his mind and even got into a petty altercation with defender Nelson Semedo during training.
The hostilities did not come to an end after the transfer was completed; on 27th August 2017 Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Neymar demanding he return the contract renewal bonus he received in 2016 as well as €8.5 million in damages and an additional 10% for the arrears. Neymar's lawyers announced that they will contest the case.
After leaving on such bad terms, it makes little sense for Neymar to make a return to the Catalan club.
#2 Still needs to justify his price tag
When Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a whopping €222 million, it was expected he would be the star player of the club for several years. He was brought to the Parisian club to establish a formidable attacking lineup.
His first season with the club was right on track as he scored 28 goals in 30 appearances and looked in impressive form. However, he injured his right foot on 25th February 2018 during a 3-0 defeat against Olympique de Marseille, and was ruled out for the remaining season.
In the 2018-19 season, he once again made a strong start as he scored PSG's opening league goal and found the net in the following two league fixtures as well. But he was once again injured in late January 2019 and had to sit out PSG's Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Manchester United.
Following PSG's elimination from the Champions League, Neymar insulted the video review officials for awarding a stoppage time penalty to United and was handed a three-match ban by UEFA.
In the two seasons he has played for the Parisian club, Neymar has made only 58 appearances and scored 51 goals. He should consider staying at PSG since he has great potential to establish himself as a club legend and justify his record transfer fee.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain have a bright future
Paris Saint-Germain have been developing a strong squad for several seasons now, and are on the path to become European powerhouses. The arrival of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe has ensured that PSG are going all out for European glory, and once they find certain missing pieces of the puzzle, they'll become a dominating force.
If Neymar's decision to leave Barcelona in 2017 was wrong, then his decision to return now will be similarly disadvantageous to him as PSG look all set to become a formidable club in the near future.
In the past few seasons luck has not favored PSG at the European stage. They were unable to defend a 4-0 first leg advantage against Barcelona in 2017, and then squandered a 2-0 away victory against Manchester United during the 2018-19 Champions League. They have exited the Champions League at the Round of 16 phase for three consecutive seasons.
With several heartbreaks at the grand European stage in recent history, PSG would ensure they make winning the Champions League their priority this season onward.
