By Sotubo Ayomide
It was first a question of 'if' and then it became a question of 'when'. The existence of Barcelona's prolific MSN trident was threatened by unending unanticipated transfer rumours of Neymar's departure Camp Nou.
What was first thought as an impossibility became a reality on the third day of August 2017. Neymar completed his move to French powerhouse, Paris Saint Germain.
In the domestic scene, he has been successful. His contributions to the domestic success of PSG cannot be faulted. He has won three of the league titles he has played in and also has a French league cup and a coupe de France in his trophy collection. For someone with his talents and dexterity, much more is expected of him. Naseer El-khelaifi hoped that a move for him will guarantee champions league success for the team but this becoming a reality remains to be seen.
PSG have not snapped back from the painful shades of the defeat against Barcelona in 2017 inspired by none other than Neymar. Since then, they have capitulated in the round of 16 when it was least expected of them.
Real Madrid proved to be superior in quality in 2018 while Manchester United reminded us of their never say die approach to football, adding more salt to the wounds of the Parisiens and defeating them against all odds in their own yard.
There was also a case of Neymar stepping out of Lionel Messi's outranking shadow on his departure. Since then, we have seen Luka Modric and Lionel Messi claim the most coveted individual award in football. Fair to say, Neymar has not even come out of Kylian Mbappe's shadow.
Football has evolved since Neymar made the world record move to the French top flight and there has been an emergence of new talents who could fill the void the Brazilian left at Barcelona.
The question of how and why Barcelona has not found a replacement three years on will also raise eyebrows but it looks increasingly likely that time is running out for Neymar to return 'home'.
PSG will continue to play hardball with the player they consider as their most prized asset and the financial implications of the global pandemic will prove to be a stumbling block in the way of Barcelona and the player.
Even his ex agent, Wagner Riberio reckons so.
"I think Neymar will stay put at PSG because the market is different," he told Fox Sports. "The economic world of football will change."
Brazilian legend Rivaldo, though, believes that there's only room for one of Neymar or Lautaro Martinez.
"Barcelona's interest in Lautaro could mean that the club have given up on Neymar's signing, as I think it is almost impossible to sign both players at the same time," he added.
"Barcelona need to focus on landing just one of them and seal the deal".
"Either of them would be a good signing, but the club need to think about the amounts involved and also about their manager's wishes."
"What is the position that Quique Setien wants to reinforce now?
"Which player would be better suited to his plans?"
"Only Setien knows."
Quique Setien has not ruled out the move himself.
"I'd love to be able to coach him someday as he is a top-class player. To be honest, I've fulfilled a dream in coaching (Lionel) Messi, but I'd be absolutely delighted if Neymar joined us," Setien told beIN SPORTS.
For the love of football, we would all love to see the MSN line up together again, but that reunion seems threatened by the day
Would Neymar ever return to Barcelona? Let's us know your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
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