Amidst ongoing speculation about Neymar’s potential exit from PSG, which has prompted interest from various quarters including his former club Barcelona and MLS teams, a new development has emerged. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has reportedly secured a deal to sign Neymar. However, in light of this, Barcelona is said to be shifting its focus to Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix as a possible alternative.

The uncertainty surrounding Felix’s future at Atletico, following his loan spell at Chelsea during the latter part of the previous season, adds intrigue to the situation. Despite expressing his “dream” to play at the Camp Nou, Felix faced criticism from Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone. While the prospect of Neymar moving to Al-Hilal remains uncertain, given PSG’s reported asking price of €150 million, Felix could represent a more pragmatic choice for Barcelona considering their financial challenges.

Notably, Barcelona might still hold out hope for Neymar’s return, with the possibility of a loan arrangement being explored to alleviate his salary burden on the club’s payroll. This latest development underscores the dynamic nature of transfer negotiations in the football world.

WHAT’S NEXT? Neymar was notably absent from PSG’s squad during their Ligue 1 season opener against Lorient, resulting in a goalless draw. As for Joao Felix, his involvement in Atletico Madrid’s campaign opener against Granada on Monday remains uncertain and will be closely watched. The unfolding scenarios surrounding both players add an air of anticipation to the upcoming matches.