FC Barcelona are reportedly planning the shock return of one of its former superstars.
The Spanish giants are looking to lure Manchester City star Erling Haaland away from the Etihad in 2025, but if that fails, they identified Neymar as a possible back-up option, according to teamTALK.
Read: 'I had to be at my peak to stop Tau'
It has been claimed that the Norwegian initially had an exit clause of £167 million (around R3.8 billion) in his City contract in 2024, but due to no clubs triggering it, it will drop to £146 million (R3.3 billion) by the end of the current campaign.
This is said to have excited Barca sporting director Deco, who has identified the striker as the Citizens' priority target – a high-calibre player who could help the Catalan giants compete against the star-studded squad of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The LALIGA club is understood to have also devised a contingency that would see them pursue former star Neymar if they are unable to secure Haaland's services.
It is thought that Barca president Joan Laporta has set the task of bringing the former Santos prodigy back to Spain as a free agent, given that his current contract in Saudi Arabia is due to expire in June next year.
The forward is also believed to be keen to return to Europe, with it also being suggested that Laporta's "strong relationship" with the player's agent, Pini Zahavi, could enhance the chances of a return materialising.
This comes after the Brazilian departed the Spanish giants for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record deal in 2017.
During his time at the Camp Nou, the 32-year-old made 186 appearances, finding the back of the net on 105 occasions and providing 76 assists.
He also helped the side to two LALIGA titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy and a FIFA Club World Cup in his four years representing the Blaugrana.
After spending six years at PSG, the Brazil international made the lucrative move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal, but has not yet been able to reach the heights that may have been expected of him there.
Read: Why African giants refused Pitso move 'revealed'
Neymar has made just five appearances for the Blue Wave – during which he scored once and assisted three strikes – before picking up a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscus injury in his left leg while on international duty in October last year.
The attacker has been working to recover ever since, with it being reported that he may only return to the pitch in January 2026.