Neymar’s next move is still up in the air. While recent reports have linked him to a return to Santos, the club where his career began, no official confirmation has been made. But what about Barcelona? Could it be a realistic possibility?

In an interview with TNT Sports Brasil, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, addressed the rumors of Neymar’s potential return to the Catalan club. Speaking after Barcelona’s match against Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, Deco hinted at a different path for the former Blaugrana star.

Deco was candid about Neymar’s chances of rejoining Barcelona. “The return of Neymar to Barça has always been a distant possibility. Since his move to Saudi Arabia, we’ve understood that he’s an expensive player with significant financial demands, especially under LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations,” Deco stated.

Deco doesn't rule him out, but...

Although he praised Neymar’s abilities, calling him “one of the best players in the world at his peak,” Deco suggested that the forward’s future is likely tied to Brazil. “I see him returning to Brazil right now, probably to Santos, the club where he first made his name. Another move can’t be ruled out, but that seems the most probable,” he explained.

For Deco, what matters most is Neymar getting back on the pitch consistently. “It will bring him joy, and it will bring joy to those around him. His happiness is what’s most important,” Deco concluded, leaving the 31-year-old star’s next steps open but ruling out, at least for now, a return to Camp Nou.