Odds Shortening on a Barcelona Return for PSG Star Neymar During Summer Transfer Window

• Neymar favored at -140 for a return to Barca
• The Brazilian fails to report for pre-season training at PSG
• Man Utd a long shot at +5000 but not to be dismissed

Neymar’s immediate future has been thrown into doubt yet again with news emerging from Paris that he failed to appear on the first day of PSG’s pre-season training camp.

Odds on Neymar’s Club by August 9, 2019

*Odds taken 07/09/19.

Back on May 30, Neymar was favored to stay at PSG at odds of -300, with Barcelona next in line at +350, but now Barca is the favored destination at -140, while PSG has gone out to even-money.

The big question is, will the return to Barca come off, or will he remain a PSG player? Or is there a chance one of the other European giants will come in with a late bid? We’ll have a look.

World Record Fee

The Brazilian joined PSG from Barcelona in August 2017 for a world record €222 million, and in that time has scored 34 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances, helping them to consecutive titles in the process. He also scored 17 goals in 21 appearances in other competitions, including the Champions League.

It’s not been plain sailing though and along the way, there have been a number of disciplinary issues, including a three-game ban for lashing out at a fan after PSG’s French Cup final defeat by Rennes.

What is a fair price for Neymar? ? pic.twitter.com/cy6TBgm4kl

— Goal (@goal) July 8, 2019

It was rumored he left Barca to be free of the shadow of Lionel Messi. But at PSG he’s found himself in the shadow of Kylian Mbappé, which may be part of the problem.

Last week, it was reported in the Spanish media he’d told Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu that he wants to leave PSG this summer and would be willing to take an annual pay cut of €12 million to enable a deal that would see him return to Catalonia.

What isn’t clear is how badly Barca want the player. They have already paid Ajax €75 million for Frenkie de Jong and are reportedly preparing a huge bid for Atletico Madrid’s French striker Antoine Griezmann. If the Griezmann deal comes off, there would be no automatic starting place at the Camp Nou for Neymar.

Equally, it looks as if PSG are exasperated by Neymar’s antics and will be willing to let the player go for the right price.

Neymar hits out at fan after PSG suffer cup final loss https://t.co/7kvpQFq180 pic.twitter.com/2AZdFclONa

— sports o'clock (@SportsClock) April 28, 2019

Madrid a No Go

What does now look unlikely is Real Madrid entering the fray. While they were rumored to be showing an interest in Neymar at the end of last season, they have since signed Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic, so a move to the Bernabeu now looks a non-starter.

Manchester City, despite having the financial clout needed to lure Neymar to the EPL, are also unlikely to enter the bidding. Pep Guardiola will be keen to ensure things remain harmonious behind the scenes at the Etihad. For all his undoubted technical ability, the Brazilian wouldn’t be a good fit in the City dressing room.

In one word, how would you describe Neymar's PSG tenure? ?‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/H9e5BxTDJr

— Goal (@goal) July 9, 2019

Late Bit from Ole?

This leaves Manchester United. While, to date, Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s rebuild has been based around young British players, with Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku rumored to be on their way out, he may be looking to make one big marquee signing this summer. Neymar would definitely fit the bill.

But, Barca still looks favorite for a reason and so while we wouldn’t rule out United making a late bid, even at odds-on a return to the Camp Nou looks the best bet.

Our pick: Barca