Barcelona transfer news: Neymar set for shock return, two-way battle for Bayern star and more - 31st October 2017
Ernesto Valverde talks about a potential Neymar return
It has only been a few months since PSG made Neymar the most expensive player in world football and already rumours are emerging of a possible departure. There has already been dissent between Neymar and Edinson Cavani on set-piece duties.
Further, the Brazilian feels that Unai Emery's tactics are not bringing out his best. Thus, Neymar reportedly regrets his move to France and is apparently looking for a move away or back to Barcelona. When a similar question was asked to Ernesto Valverde, he said:
“If Neymar came back? (I’d do) a double somersault with corkscrew! We'll see what happens in the future, but of course I do not want to talk about it.”
While a deal could look unlikely at this stage, one can never discount anything in the world of football.
Manchester City to fight with Barcelona for Joshua Kimmich
The versatile player is wanted by both European heavyweights and Bild reports that both the clubs are willing to pay the quoted £44 million for him. Despite splashing heavily on Danilo, Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy in the summer, Pep Guardiola is looking to add another full-back in Kimmich.
On the other hand, Barcelona want another quality right-back apart from Nelson Semedo and the German fits their profile perfectly. At 22 years of age, Kimmich is already an established player at Bayern Munich and German national team and has done well since Philipp Lahm's retirement.
Thus, Bayern are unlikely to sell Kimmich but the lure of Barcelona, in particular, could change things.
Barcelona perform Vermaelen U-turn
The former Arsenal centre-back has failed to make a mark at Camp Nou and is now surplus to requirements at the Spanish club. As per Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona are set to trim their squad and the Belgian is one among the list.
However, this comes as a surprise given Valverde and the club wanted to keep Vermaelen in the summer when Everton came in for his services. The English club wanted Vermaelen on loan and Liverpool Echo reported that a deadline day move fell through for the defender.
Either way, it is unlikely that Everton will bid for the 31-year old in January due to the sacking of Ronald Koeman, who worked with the player previously at Ajax.