5 things Barcelona got wrong in 2017

#1 Letting Neymar leave

Neymar was deemed as the worthy successor to Leo Messi's throne

2017 witnessed the most expensive transfer of all time when Neymar joined Paris Saint Germain in a record €222 million deal. But, were the Catalans right in letting the Brazilian slip through their fingers?

Consider this. Since 2004, Barcelona has needed a torch-bearer to guide them to victories. First, it was Ronaldinho and then Messi, under whose reign the club has overseen two treble-winning seasons.

Neymar was roped in to carry on the tradition; to replace Lionel Messi in the future. But, with the Brazilian embracing the exit door, the search for a worthy successor to the Argentine demigod has started again.

The aftermath is clearly visible now. PSG are scoring belters week in week out while Barcelona are struggling to amass the usual tally of goals. With Neymar's departure and Suarez's lack of form, Messi has once again found himself being burdened with goal-scoring duties.

During the Neymar years, Barca were relaxed even when Messi was sidelined, thanks to the Brazilian skipper who always took the mantle and guided the club to victories. In doing so, he had proven himself as the perfect man to take the throne at Nou Camp in future.

Considering that La Masia is no longer producing the class of players like it used to, it will be an uphill task for the Blaugrana find a player worthy of filling the Argentine's boots. It remains to be seen whether or not the club will find a worthy successor for their ageing king.