Neymar could pass on the proposed contract offer from Barcelona, allowing him to leave for a new club.
Neymar is playing games with Barcelona and his new contract negotiations.
The Brazilian attacker is rethinking signing a contract extension with the Spanish giant in La Liga, keeping in mind the investigation into his tax affairs. Spain’s public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the president of Barcelona over allegations of tax fraud connected to the signing of the Brazilian. Earlier reports came that Barcelona are keen to open talks with Neymar over a new deal which is rumoured to be around £200,000 a week excluding the tax. The Brazilian Superstar’s representatives have reportedly held initial discussions with Barca officials.
Manchester United is keeping a close eye on this happening in hopes of no new contract deal working out. The club was reported to have an interest in Neymar over the summer, and still have a desire to sign him next summer.
With comparisons of Neymar to Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi already abundant, moving to Ronaldo’s former home would fuel such comparisons. Manager Louis Van Gaal would certainly be thrilled to land a player of Neymar’s calibre, especially with an already impressive squad in both Premier League and Champions League action. Having tracked the 23-year-old in the summer, United eventually signed Anthony Martial for £36million, with the Frenchman proving a big hit at Old Trafford with three goals in 4 premiere league appearances.
Despite these latest rumours of Neymar’s possible hold out, there are still reports that a new deal will happen soon. La Liga is a perfect league for Neymar and his talents. Since coming to Barcelona in 2013, he has tallied 59 goals. His success grows with each match, and there is no real reason for him to leave town anytime soon. The only reason to leave would be the potential £130 million that United were rumoured to have lined up for him. But Barcelona Sporting Director Robert Fernandez is also highly confident that they will reach an agreement with Neymar sooner or later if possible right in this season. “Contract talks haven’t broken down. Neymar is now the second best player in the world after Messi and we are happy to have him in Barcelona.” Neymar’s current deal runs until 2018, but Barca is keen to end any speculation about his future.
Neymar, on the other hand, wants a huge pay rise that will take him close to team-mate Lionel Messi, who is the world’s best-paid footballer with a contract worth £530,000-a-week before taxes.
The Brazilian star’s current salary is less than half that of Messi. The Brazilian’s contract is set at £6.4million after tax per year, which, given the income tax rate for Spain top earners of 47 per cent, is the equivalent of £230,000-a-week.
The 23-year-old wants an improved deal that will more than double his pay to £500,000-week and will run until 2021. Over six years, the total package he is seeking would be worth an astonishing £156million.
An improved Neymar contract is a priority of Barcelona, who had always planned to offer the forward a new deal in his third year at the club and recognise they will have to offer a massive deal to keep one of their most important players.