The affect Neymar's non-arrival will have on Barça's dressing room

While it's not 100 percent ruled out, it's true that Neymar's move to Barcelona before Monday at 23.59 is looking very complicated. And if he doesn't return, it could have a knock-on effect in the dressing room. 

Imagine that you do everything asked of you in your job. You do everything asked of you by your superiors to the best of your ability -- sometimes doing even more than demanded from you. And, despite that, it seems the company wants to get rid of you. They see you as a makeweight in a deal to replace you with someone younger, with a bigger profile, possibly more talented, but not as professional and who comes with a lot of baggage. That's how Ivan Rakitic must feel. With 40 hours left in the transfer window, the midfielder is still being linked with a move away, but with little time left, it's unlikely he will leave now. 

DEMBELE

Ousmane Dembele is another case. He started the season with good intentions after two tough campaigns. But in the first game, he got injured and it's changed the public opinion again. Shortly after that injury, he's been offered to PSG in exchange for Neymar.

The door is not closed 100 percent, but it's not looking good and the atmosphere in the dressing room could end up being the tensest in recent times. One player, Dembele, is especially being singled out for not agreeing to leave and having opted against a move to Paris to free up room on the wage bill and in the squad. 

RAKITIC

Rakitic is different. The Croatian has always delivered. Always. Nothing can be said about his performances, but he's not been able to avoid being pushed out of the club. It's that good form which has perhaps seen him used in the Neymar deal as he's someone who most European clubs would want. But if he finally stays at Barça, his mood may not be the best. 

Later, there are other implications. Rafinha is in luck. From having one foot out of the club, he's become a regular over the last few games due to injuries. Let's see what happens after the international break. At least then Ernesto Valverde will know who he can count on and who he can't. And then there's Ansu...