Josep Bartomeu: I backed Neymar's return to Barcelona

Josep Maria Bartomeu spoke on Barca TV about various topics on Friday night. The president spoke about Neymar, who Barcelona tried to sign, and said they could go back in for him in 2020.

"In the winter window he's not an option," said Bartomeu. "The planning for next season is done in January, February. That will be when we get back to talking about the topic. But if PSG keep asking for such high figures..."

Bartomeu said Neymar would have been an 'extra'. "An 'extra' became available in one moment of the summer. We heard Neymar wanted to leave PSG and there was a moment when Leonardo opened the door to negotiations - for other clubs too. We didn't arrive at a deal because we could not match PSG's demands."

The Barca chief said Neymar's comeback wasn't a commercial question. "It's a sporting decision. Abidal, Planes and Valverde told us when Neymar was on the market, the technical team said we should try to sign him. He would be an 'extra' for the squad." 

Bartomeu said Rakitic, Dembele, Todibo and Coutinho - whose names were mentioned as possible swaps - came from PSG's side. "Barca never put names on the table, they are players that PSG put there. We could not match their demands."