Former Brazilian star Juninho believes that the Neymar saga will end when the Brazilian phenom finds his way to Barcelona this summer. The former midfielder even hinted that the club and player "need" one another.
"Everyone's saying that Neymar will leave in the middle of the year, and Barcelona have been mentioned [as his new club] all along," Juninho said in an interview with Onda Cero. "I do believe Neymar needs European experience. He will need to adapt at first because Brazilian football is a little different.
He added, "From what I know, he might go to Barcelona, it's what everyone has been saying in Brazil since forever. Barcelona don't have the unity they had a few years ago, they need to bring in reinforcements..."I think he [Neymar] would enjoy Barcelona more because of their playing style. He would fit better there."
Neymar has expressed interest in heading to Barcelona and the club has stated that they also want him to give them a second offensive option. Lionel Messi continues being the focal point of the offense. However, as was proven during the Champions league semifinal against Bayern Munich, the team has no plan B in the case that Messi is not up to par. The team was destroyed 7-0 by the Germans and barely ever threatened the opposing goal without La Pulga. Striker David Villa is likely on his way out due to his ineffectiveness and his rare starts for the club. Cesc Fabregas has proven that he is wildly inconsistent and cannot be relied on to put up points on a regular basis.
"Barcelona are extremely interested in Neymar. He's on top of our wish-list. Barcelona do not sign many players, but Neymar is our first choice. We will be ready to pounce whenever he decides to leave," said Barcelona representative Andre Cury in a radio interview. "Messi, Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta are all awaiting him with open arms. Neymar coming to Barcelona will put an end to two types of over-dependence: dependence on Neymar at Santos and over-dependence on Messi at Barcelona as we would then have another player at his level."