Barcelona have moved to placate fears over Neymar Jr.’s contract situation, with the La Liga giant’s President Josep Maria Bartomeu claiming that the Brazilian striker will sign a new contract over the next few days. Bartomeu also confirmed that other clubs were interested in Neymar, but has informed fans that Neymar will be plying his trade for Barcelona in the immediate future, signing a contract for 5 years.
Madrid-based newspaper Diario AS were the first to break the news, with Bartomeu quoted as saying “Neymar won’t leave Barça, he’s not on his way out, and I hope the fans know it. I don’t know if it’ll be tomorrow or a bit later, but Neymar is signing for another five seaons.”
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Bartomeu’s comments were a swift response to increasing rumours that clubs like Paris St. Germain and Manchester United were looking to activate the mammoth €190 million release clause in Neymar’s current contract.
The Catalan club’s President confirmed the interest, but noted that Neymar’s intention was always to stay, saying “It’s normal that other clubs are interested him, but I’ll make this clear, he’s never told us he wants to leave. He wants to be here, and we want him here. The club and his agents are closing negotiations over his contract renewal and I hope it’ll all be sorted in the next few days.”
Neymar to concentrate on Olympics
Neymar has endured a disappointing end to the season for Barcelona, by his own admission. Some have claimed that the legal wrangles surrounding his contract has distracted the Brazilian star, with his father, who is also his agent, implicated in wrong-doing.
With Brazil suffering an ignominous exit from Copa America Centenario early on, there were plenty who pointed to Neymar’s absence as a reason, but since the Selecao have never won an Olympic medal, Brazil have named a strong lineup for the Rio Games, with Neymar, Douglas Costa and Marquinhos among the stars playing.
Neymar’s father reiterated that the contract situation was not a distraction for Neymar, saying “Neymar has a contract at Barcelona, and he has two years left. That’s the only certainty. He has to obey that contract, besides, he’s happy at the club.”
Bartomeu had a similar tone, saying “We’ve just come from the Neymar case at the national court and the attorney’s office and it’s necessary to write up everything. But he’s staying for five years.”
The news of Neymar’s signing is sure to placate Barcelona fans, who have grown increasingly confirmed that the Brazil star is on his way out.
