The Neymar factor in Lionel Messi's contract renovation

Of all the errors Josep Maria Bartomeu committed, the worst are to do with Neymar. The first was not to see his departure in 2017 coming. The second was not getting him back in 2019. The two errors had multiple sporting, economic and institutional consequences attached, all negative, and you can say that it brought that board down. Pep Guardiola himself said that if Neymar had not left in 2017, Barcelona would have two or three more Champions Leagues.

Leo Messi even told Sport in September 2019: “I would have liked him to come, for what it would imply, not just on a sporting level, but in terms of sponsor, image, growth.” If Barca had kept or brought back the Brazilian, they would have much greater chances of winning titles and Messi would be happier and feel more well supported. You can make your moral considerations about his return, which Messi also recognised although did not share in the interview, but nobody can doubt his absence has impacted on the club and their star player. Barca’s dressing room and Neymar have both reached the conclusion they are better together.

With Joan Laporta in and his main objective to keep Messi, there is a new chance. Neymar has frozen his renewal with PSG and is waiting for Barcelona to make a move. He swings like a diabolical pendulum between the two club. Neymar could be the key to keep Messi. Then again, there is a danger they will play together - at PSG. The advantage Barca have is that Laporta is well aware of the Neymar factor.

MES QUE UN CLUB

It was an open secret that with Ferran Reverter arriving, CEO Oscar Grau would have to leave the club. However it has been handled elegantly. Laporta thanked him personally. It shows the new board isn’t about vengeance, but forgetting the past and looking forward.

LESS QUE UN CLUB

It’s surprising that they have started to plan for next season without appointing the technical secretary. Negotiations with Jordi Cruyff are going slowly. The traffic light is amber, Barca have to act quickly so they don’t get caught out.