Former Barcelona and Bulgaria legend, Hristo Stoichkov, has warned Barcelona that their big chase for the return of Neymar will eventually prove to be a waste of time and resources, insisting there is currently no space for the Brazilian in Ernesto Valverde’s rich squad.
Recall that Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a world record €222 million transfer fee. He has since indicated lack of motivation to continue his career with the Ligue 1 side, and Barcelona chiefs have been desperately trying to convince PSG to accept bid that involves money and players.
But Stoichkov, who had two stints at the Laliga side – 1990 to 1995 and 1996 to 1998 during his playing days, is appalled at the ongoing negotiations for Neymar, insisting it’s unnecessary.
“He [Neymar] would be a bomb inside the lockerroom,” Stoichkov told Univision Deportes – a Spanish television network he currently work for as pundit. Barcelona don’t need Neymar. He would have no space to play because they already have very important players.
“There are [Ousmane] Dembele, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Luis] Suarez, [Lionel] Messi. Where would he play? For my part, I don’t want him to come back.
“I’m sure there are players who want to come back and ask the president for his effort, but Barca isn’t going to move a single Euro to get him back. Barca doesn’t have the money to pay PSG.
“There are [swap] options, but the players Barca are offering to PSG is disrespectful. Firstly, because Ivan Rakitic is a great worker, a very humble lad who has never let his guard down and has always defended the interests of Barcelona. And [Philippe] Coutinho cost a lot of money, but he has a lot of ability and I defend him, and hopefully no Barca player leaves.”
