Barça want Neymar tied down until 2021 by April
Negotiations between Barcelona and Neymar over the Brazilian’s new contract are still in the first phase. The agreement is taking a long time because of the Neymar’s father’s - who is also his agent - attempts to put the breaks on the clubs attempt to come together, while also because of the complexity of the subject. A new deal for Neymar is a priority for Barça, who aren’t contemplating any other outcome than the player’s continuity at Camp Nou.
Barça will have to work hard to overcome all the obstacles in front of them, beginning with the fiscal problems Neymar has in both Spain and Brazil, as his father explained in an exclusive interview with SPORT. This is one of the reasons why Neymar is in no rush to begin talking about his renewal. “We, the family, are suffering from huge insecurity [to do with taxes and the legal proceedings], so that affects how we plan his career. We need these matters to be over. How can we extend something if we don't have tax stability?” his father said in the interview with this newspaper in October.
In addition to needing these guarantees, the Barcelona forward also time as an ally as he looks for an improved deal. When the current season ends he will have two years left on his terms and everyone is aware that his great form is provoking interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, who would be prepared to pay a lot of money to try and secure him. Manchester United tried as much without success last summer, but the situation could return in six months time.
It’s a normal negotiating tactic, as Neymar has no desire to bring an end to his time at the club. He is happy at Camp Nou and he knows that his football career can continue to take giant steps forward alongside his friend Lionel Messi. The Brazilian is conscious that he’s also a perfect fit for Barça’s style at the moment - something which would not be guaranteed at another club. His understand with Messi and Luis Suarez, plus his compatriot Dani Alves, makes Barcelona the perfect club for him. He’s also at home in the city and has no plans for a change of scene.
Barcelona are aware of all the questions and have no doubts that Neymar will continue at the club. They are thinking of offering him a three-year extension (until 2021). The club is also conscious that his performances at the Club World Cup and, above all, his presence and possible placing on the Ballon d’Or podium will raise his value and oblige them to offer an important increase to his current terms.
Barça’s board have marked next April as the deadline for sorting the deal. The objective is to close the agreement before the end of the current season, so that the Brazilian forward can head off for the summer - where he will play in the Olympics and the Copa America - free of worries.
