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#2 West Ham were prepared to break their transfer record for a 18-year-old Neymar
Neymar has always been highly regarded in football circles. But there were concerns about how he would transition into the European style of football considering his skinny frame. Though these concerns did not stop West Ham United from submitting a bid for the Brazilian when he was just starting to bloom at Santos.
In 2010, when West Ham submitted a £12 million bid for a 18-year-old Neymar, it was their all time transfer record. But the Hammers were so sure of the Brazilian's ability that they were even prepared to break their own transfer record just to get their hands on him.
In fact, West Ham United were the first European club ever to bid for Neymar. And although Santos rejected the bid, a host of European clubs had already caught wind of Neymar's talents because of it.
