Why Signing Neymar Will Be Difficult For Barcelona

In the last few weeks, there have been talks on the possible return of Brazilian playmaker, Neymar to Barcelona after declaring his intention not to play for French Ligue 1 side, Paris Saint Germain again.

The self-styled player, known for his mesmerising skills and sublime free-kicks, has come under heavy criticisms from the owner of the club, Nasser Al-Khelaifi due to his lackadaisical attitude and poor relationship with his fellow teammates.

Although the club has given him the go-ahead to join another club for as long as they meet the price tag, however, there seems to be another stumbling block for the Brazilian in order to achieve his aim.

If Barcelona re-sign Neymar his first wage packet could end up going straight to the taxman and not to the player, El Mundo has revealed.

Neymar has been hit with a 34m euros (£30m) unpaid tax bill and if he goes back to Spain, his earnings could be embargoed until the debt is settled.

The outstanding sum is almost equivalent to what the player currently takes home in a year at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian is also currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Barcelona over what he claims is an unpaid signing bonus from his previous stint at the club. If courts rule in his favour, that money could also go straight to pay his tax bill.

When the Brazilian signed a new five-year contract at Barcelona in 2016, it included a renewal bonus payable in two instalments.