Real Madrid offered €150 million for Neymar before his Barcelona move, says his father
In the ongoing investigation of the alleged tax fraud committed by Barcelona while signing Neymar, his father told the Spanish court that Real Madrid had offered €150 million for his son, prior to him signing for Barcelona.
Barcelona had initially said the 22-year-old Brazilian had been brought for €57.1 million from Santos. But after the deal came repeatedly under the scanner, they confessed that the deal had cost them €86.2 million which included diiferent variables like signing bonus, marketing deals, and commisions among other things.
The former Barcelona president Sandro Rossell was accused by club member, Jordi Cases, for not revealing about the €40 million which was said to be paid to N&N (a company controlled by Neymar’s parents). It is believed that the amount was provided for the promotion of the club in Brazil and which was used by Neymar Sr. to set up an office in Barcelona.
These allegations charged Barcelona for tax fraud in February.
Los Blancos doubled the bid
Neymar Da Silva Santos Sr, the Brazilian’s father said during the interrogation at Madrid’s National Court on WednesdayLos Blancos had offered €150 million for his son but Neymar Jr. chose to move to Barcelona because the Catalan side had a prestigious "international projection" and so accepted the lower pay-packet.
He also stated that all the contracts of Neymar Jr. with Barcelona were all legitimate, the court source told. The Blaugranas former President Sandro Rossel had also told the court that the transfer of Neymar and signing "were done perfectly" and respected the law. In January, he quit the post in the light of the controversy.
Barcelona, to cool off the situation, paid €13.5 million as tax this year and also to stop the club’s reputation to be damaged more. The Brazilian striker is back from his injury and has already scored six goals in five games in the La Liga.