Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Barcelona could sanction the sale of Antoine Griezmann in order to recoup funds for the purchase of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Neymar has been regularly linked with a return to the Camp Nou over the past 18 months and reports claim that the Catalan giants will make a formal approach for his services this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Balague spoke positively about the impact of Griezmann, who has opened the scoring for the Blaugrana on 10 occasions this term. He added that the Blaugrana don’t have the funds to re-sign Neymar this summer and the deal could be dependent on the possible departure of Griezmann.

He explained: “In the 14 goals that [Griezmann’s] scored [in all competitions], 10 of them were the first goal of the game. So would they want to get rid of him? Remember, Barcelona want Neymar and they don’t have the money. So yes, I think it will be a possibility of getting rid of Griezmann and perhaps Griezmann will feel that is the thing to do too. Neymar is a priority and that’s why I’m saying the departure perhaps of Griezmann and/or [Philippe] Coutinho will help on the finances for that.”

Griezmann only made the move to the Blaugrana from Atletico Madrid last summer and it would come as a huge surprise, if he parted ways with the club after just one season. However, it appears that the Catalans will prioritise the signature of Neymar during the summer transfer window and they may have to recoup the majority of the fee from player sales.

Barcelona were put off from making an offer last summer after Les Parisiens demanded £185m for the Brazil international. They could, however, get him for around £135m this summer. Neymar has more than two years remaining on his current deal at Les Parisiens.