Official: Neymar extends contract with Barcelona up to 2021

Neymar to stay, after all

Barcelona have confirmed that they've agreed a contract extension with Brazilian winger, Neymar, that keeps him in the club till 2021. The 24-year-old joined the Catalans in 2013 and has since gone on to win two La Ligas, two Copa del Reys, two FIFA Club World Cups and one UEFA Champions League. 

Neymar has been linked with huge money moves to Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich but none of that makes sense now given that his release clause is set for a whopping €200 million for the first year, €222 million for the second year and €250 for the third year. 

Neymar scored 31 goals for Barcelona last season in 49 appearances also contributing 27 assists to his teammates which firmly underlines why he's valued so highly by the club and those clubs who were interested in signing him. United, Paris Saint-Germain and City were reportedly all ready to bid huge to sign him. 

The Brazilian has been in the limelight recently for tax-evasion and more which fueled his exit rumours from the club. But just as the dust and paperwork has settled, the club have gone ahead and released this piece of news. 

While the club have renewed Neymar's contract, they're also interested in signing another forward with the likes of Gabriel Barbosa and Paulo Dybala linked. Both the aforementioned players are young, mobile and proven goal-scorers which either means Barcelona are looking to replace Suarez soon or that they're just looking for backup to ensure the 'MSN' are at 100% during some of the season's more important games. 

Luis Enrique was also on the lookout for a centre-back this summer but the arrival of Frenchman Samuel Umtiti from Lyon has settled that doubt for now. Elsewhere, another mobile midfielder in the mould of Sergio Busquets is expected to sign as they continue searching for a young passer who could operate from a little deeper than usual.