Barcelona assigns a deadline 'target' to Neymar, for a chance to return to Camp Nou

Neymar is being encouraged to score 15 goals for his Brazilian club Santos as part of a strategy that could pave the way for a remarkable return to Barcelona, according to a recent report. 

As reported by Sport, Barcelona is actively keeping an eye on Neymar's performance, particularly after his transfer to Santos from Al-Hilal in January. There are already plans in place to facilitate his return to Camp Nou, highlighting the club's continued interest in the talented forward.

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Neymar eyes a return to Camp Nou

According to the report, Barcelona has instructed Neymar that he needs to score 15 goals for Santos this season if he wants to be considered for a return to Spain. With his contract at Santos set to expire in June, the Catalans expect the 33-year-old to demonstrate that he can regain his pre-injury form before they seriously entertain the prospect of including him in Hansi Flick's squad.

The 33-year-old won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 and left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Although he hasn't secured another Champions League title since then, he may have another opportunity if he returns to Europe. Reports indicate that Neymar is eager to return to the Catalan club, where he experienced some of the happiest moments of his career.

Neymar has been in fine form since rejoining his boyhood club Santos. In the last two fixtures, Neymar scored two magical goals, one being an Olympic corner and the other being a free kick. He has accumulated 3 goals and 4 assists for Santos in 6 appearances this season. He will be in action against Vasco Da Gama towards the end of the month for Santos FC.

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