Neymar wanted to switch PSG for Barcelona, reveals Barcelona President Joan Laporta

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Neymar wanted to return to Barcelona earlier this summer, adding that they even got in touch with Neymar to facilitate a deal. However, Laporta admitted they misinterpreted the La Liga rules and said had they understood the new rules, they would have not approached Neymar

Advertisment

"We tried to sign Neymar. At that moment , it seemed like an interesting signing. He got in contact. He was crazy about coming."

"We interpreted fair play in another way at the time. If we had known all the rules , we would not have made that offer."

Due to the same financial troubles, not only PSG failed to sign Neymar but also had to let go their star player Lionel Messi, who linked up with Neymar at the PSG. Neymar later signed an extension with the PSG.

Advertisment

During his stint with Barcelona in 2015, Neymar lifted the Champions League in 2015 along with Messi. The duo formed a lethal attack as Barcelona stormed to the title. Both Neymar and Messi will be keen to replicate their performance, this time for the PSG. The club has named a star-studded squad for the 2021-22 Champions League. Along with Neymar and Messi, PSG have the services of Kylian Mbappe, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma, which makes them one of the biggest title contenders.

The PSG squad for the Champions League is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alexandre Letellier.

Advertisment

Defenders: Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Sergio Ramos, Amad Diallo, Achraf Hakimi, Thilo Kehrer, Colin Dagba, Nuno Mendes, Layvin Kurzawa.

Midfielders: Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Idrissa Gueye, Ander Herrera, Julia Draxler, Danilo, Georginio Wijnaldum, Dina Ebimbe.

Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi.