Neymar: The path to return to Barcelona from PSG in 2020

It's simpler than last summer but Neymar won't have a peaceful path back to Barcelona in 2020. Everyone is open to finding an agreement but there are many conditions that need to be met. The Brazilian is still distant with Paris Saint-Germain and the club's entourage. He is not comfortable where he is, does not have the affection of the fans and doesn't plan to turn things around. 

Since his return from injury on Nov. 22, his divorce with the French club has been more evident than ever and the whistles have been increasing. Despite the campaign organised by the club to clean the ex-Barça man's image, it doesn't seem any side is ready to cede in the war. The images of the MSN over Christmas have not gone down well. 

PSG have less room to move in 2020 with Neymar's contract another year down the line. He will have completed the third year of his deal, which brings the end of the 'protected period'. That means the players could, in theory, unilaterally break his contract. 

'JUST CAUSE'

FIFA's rules allow the player to easily break his contract when there's sporting cause to justify it. That's when the player in question has played fewer than 10 percent of official minutes. Neymar will not fir that category. 

WITHOUT 'JUST CAUSE'

This option would come with a financial cost based on the legislation in the country where the player plays (France) and other conditions (salary, time left on contract etc). The amount has to be paid by the new club (in this case Barça).

THE CONDITIONS

Another of the clauses is that the player warns of his intention to break his link with the club within a maximum of 15 days after the last game played with the club. That rules out disciplinary action down the line. 

It will then be FIFA that decide how much must be paid. The amount is complicated to work out as there are no similar precedents at this stage. Barça need to decide if the present is worth the risk, given they would still have to pay a hefty amount. 

LAST GAME IN NIMES... OR ISTANBUL?

In the case that Neymar doesn't remain with PSG next summer, his last game for the club would be on May 23 against Nimes. But there is also the chance they make the Champions League final on May 30 in Istanbul. After his last game with the club, as we detailed earlier, he would have 15 days to tell the club of his desire to break his contact an leave it in the hands of FIFA.