Andres Iniesta insists he can’t rule out Real Madrid signing Neymar, but admits he would be frustrated to see his former Barcelona team-mate join the Catalans’ biggest rivals.
Neymar left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record £198million fee in August but there are already suggestions he is unsettled in the French capital.
The Brazilian’s father left the door open to Neymar’s potential exit after admitting a move to Real Madrid remains a possibility in the future.
Neymar is reportedly unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid remain interested
And having spent four seasons playing alongside Neymar at the Nou Camp, Iniesta admits he would be annoyed to see the 25-year-old playing in the white of Real Madrid.
‘Anything can happen in football and I would not rule it out,’ Iniesta told Mundo Deportivo when asked if Neymar could move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
‘We’ve seen numerous times how there are situations which seem unlikely or impossible but they end up happening.
‘If Neymar was to join Madrid? It would annoy me in the sense that he wins matches and would strengthen a direct rival, but I’m not worried.’
Andres Iniesta played with Neymar for four years during the Brazilian’s spell at the Nou Camp
Iniesta admitted it would be frustrating to see Neymar in action for Barcelona’s rivals Real
Iniesta was also quizzed by the Spanish outlet on two potential January signings at Barcelona, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina.
‘Coutinho and Mina in January? I think it would be two important reinforcements,’ Iniesta said. ‘They would be two big signings for Barca.’
Barcelona look set to return with another bid for Coutinho in January after seeing four offers knocked back by Liverpool in the summer window, the last worth £114million.
Philippe Coutinho handed in a transfer request last summer but remained at Liverpool
Barcelona could activate their £7.9million clause on Palmeiras’ Yerry Mina in January
Coutinho handed in a transfer request in a bid to force the summer move through but Liverpool held firm and the Brazil international remained at Anfield.
Barcelona are also considering a move next month for Colombian star Mina as they look to bring in defensive reinforcements following the injury suffered by centre back Samuel Umtiti.
They have a first option on the centre back but were not expected to activate the £7.9million until the summer.
However Umtiti’s injury, coupled with Javier Mascherano’s desire to leave, means Barcelona could move for Mina in the January window.