Barcelona News: Blaugrana icon says Neymar's return would be great but insists Messi is the 'best signing of each year'

Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi
Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi

What's the story?

Barcelona icon Samuel Eto'o has addressed the rumours linking Neymar Jr to a sensational return to Camp Nou, stating that while the transfer would make everyone happy, the club already have 'the best signing of each season' in Lionel Messi.

In case you didn't know...

Neymar has long been linked with a move back to Barcelona owing to reports claiming he is disillusioned with life in Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international spent four successful seasons with the Catalan giants before making a record €222 million transfer to the Ligue 1 champions in 2017.

The 27-year-old formed a solid partnership with French sensation Kylian Mbappe at the French capital and the duo's exploits have helped PSG to two consecutive league titles.

The French giants, however, still await their first Champions League title, after their spectacular transfers failed to prove themselves on the European stage.

Neymar has publicly hinted at his desire to return to Catalunya, having made a series of controversial comments against his current club and even missing out pre-season training with them.

Barcelona continue to hold restraint in addressing the rumours, reportedly prompting arch-rivals, Real Madrid, to swoop in for the forward.

Meanwhile, Messi will reportedly be offered a new contract by Barcelona, with his current deal set to expire in 2021. The new deal means the 32-year-old will likely see out his illustrious career at Camp Nou.


The heart of the matter

Eto'o has stated that while Neymar's possible return to Barcelona will be a great deal for the club, he insisted that keeping Messi at Camp Nou will prove to be an even more important piece of business.

He said (via Express Sport), “If Neymar comes we will be happy. But having Messi is the best signing of each year. With Messi, we score two more, and we can win” he said.

What's next?

Barcelona will find difficulties trying to raise funds for another major transfer, especially after the signings of Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann. The same could be said for Real Madrid, who have been on a buying spree this summer window. With Neymar's future still uncertain, it remains to be seen where he will ultimately play his football next season.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith