Neymar calms Barcelona fans over rumours that he may move to Real Madrid
Barcelona’s Brazilian virtuoso Neymar has clarified rumours over a potential move to Real Madrid, saying that he is happy at the Camp Nou and not looking to move. According to widespread rumours in Spain, Real Madrid were preparing a €190 million bid, while also reportedly offering the 23 year old annual wages of €35 million. In addition, Neymar is currently in negotiations over the renewal of his contract, which runs out in 2018.
Speaking to BeIN Sports, Neymar played down rumours of a move, saying “[I would ask] Barcelona fans to stay calm because I am still at the club and we have many games to win the treble, that is what we seek and work all day for Barca [to be] the best and the greatest.”
The forward also spoke about his happiness at being in Barcelona, saying “I am very happy in Barcelona, I have almost everything.I have happiness and health and everything to play. It is difficult to get out of here because I found a great city, a great club, some players from another planet and for me it's difficult, but we have to see everything.”
However, Neymar did voice some caution regarding his renewal, opining that there were ‘difficult’ issues to be resolved, saying “There is debate with all, the renewal and everything. These are things that it is difficult to decide but we must be calm because I still have years at the club.”
Salary issues could see Neymar move
Barcelona fans worried about Neymar moving away from the club to their hated rivals, should take heed from the Blaugrana’s manager, Luis Enrique. The Spaniard is confident that Neymar will renew his contract and that fears of a move are unfounded, saying “I believe Neymar will end up signing a new contract here.”
However, Barcelona might be forced to sell Neymar, or face a huge culling of their squad as a reported wage rise to Lionel Messi will push them past the La Liga salary cap. Messi’s new deal is a reported €39.4 million annualy, up from his current yearly wage of €22.8 million. This leaves Barcelona little room to manouver with regard to Neymar’s increase in wages, which could mean that Real Madrid could swoop in with a tempting offer.
Given rumours that Neymar previously met with Real Madrid officials, that were swiftly refuted by his father and agent, Neymar Sr, perhaps there is some validity to the idea that Los Blancos could tempt the Brazilian to the Bernabeu with a blockbuster deal.