Brazilian star Neymar looks set to complete his long awaited move to Europe, signing for FC Barcelona, after he let the news fly on his Instagram account. Both Real Madrid and Chelsea had been considered front-runners for the attacker’s signature in the past, but Barcelona emerged as the clear favorite to sign him in the last year and had a deal accepted by Santos FC on Friday. An announcement was scheduled for Monday, but Neymar decided he couldn’t wait that long.
Neymar heading to FC Barcelona
Brazilian star Neymar announced on his Instagram account that he will move to FC Barcelona. The Catalan club met with Santos FC on Friday, and he’s expected to be introduced on Monday
Shaun Botterill
FC Barcelona later confirmed the news on Twitter. A fee has yet to be announced, and the amount Barcelona paid for Neymar will likely determine whether or not his acquisition is well received by Cules.
Neymar emerged as one of the world’s biggest up-and-coming stars in 2009, and Dunga was widely criticized by the Brazilian press for not calling him up for the 2010 World Cup. He went on to become an automatic first choice player and the face of Santos in the following season, and helped lead them to a Copa Libertadores title in 2011. The 21-year-old made his Brazilian senior team debut in 2010, and has amassed 20 goals in 32 caps.
Santos has struggled since winning that Copa Libertadores title, and has sold off a number of their other stars. Their board maintained following the 2010 World Cup that Neymar would stay with the team until the 2014 World Cup, at which point he would be allowed to go wherever he wished, but their inability to compete for titles has caused them (and likely Neymar) to have a change of heart. Instead of letting him walk on a free transfer, which would have been a very questionable decision for a team of Santos’ somewhat limited financial means, they’ve decided to cash in.
Between David Villa’s aging and Alexis Sanchez’s poor form, Neymar should have no problem breaking into the first team at the Camp Nou, and he’s been seen as an essential signing by the majority of fans since Barcelona’s destruction at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He should make a perfect compliment for Lionel Messi at the left forward spot, and shouldn’t need too much time to adjust to Barcelona’s style of play.
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