I can see Neymar joining Real Madrid, says Berchiche

The Brazilian star has been backed to return to Spain before too long but his former team-mate expects him to end up in the capital city

Neymar is likely to join Real Madrid if he decides to return to La Liga from Paris Saint-Germain, ex-team-mate Yuri Berchiche has said.

The Brazil star continues to be linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, though he has insisted he is happy in France and last month Madrid denied they have made any bid for him.

Yuri, who spent last season with PSG before heading back to Spain to join Athletic Bilbao, thinks Neymar is likely to join the European champions if he does leave PSG, despite any strong links to old club Barcelona.

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“I see him returning but more in white than in blue and red,” Yuri told El Larguero.

“He was very happy at Barcelona. He still likes La Liga because I spoke with him about it, we have a good friendship, and he’s a fantastic person.

“If he joins Madrid I wish him the best of luck.”

Neymar marked his return to domestic action with a goal in the 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Caen last Sunday.

He has four years left on the contract he signed last year when he moved from Barca in a world-record deal.

Berchiche himself has returned to his former youth side Athletic after one year in the French capital and is excited to get the new season underway.

“The atmosphere is fabulous, we really want to start knowing that last year was not a good season,” he said. “It ‘s important to start with three points against our fans.

“It’s important that we have are united and go in the same direction to make this a great season.”