Barcelona's plan to tie Neymar down to a new contract until 2021

Barcelona's plan to tie Neymar down to a new contract until 2021

For Barcelona, Neymar's renewal is an absolute priority. Not just to avoid the player being tempted by some of Europe's most powerful clubs, among them Real Madrid, but also to consolidate the Brazilian forward as the person to build the club's medium-term future around. 

In this sense, the club plan to offer Neymar a deal until June 2021 (his current contract, signed in 2013, runs until 2018). The terms would convert him into the second highest paid player in the squad, behind only Lionel Messi. 

Neymar would receive around 15 million net per season as soon as he signed the new deal. This figure shows that the club realise this a big decision that will mark the future. Barça believe that guaranteeing Neymar's future is a strategic decision and for that reason there is a certain amount of urgency. 

Until now, the club and the player's representatives have had various meetings. Both are open to a new deal, but there's still nothing agreed, let alone anything signed. The recent quotes by Neymar's father, who spoke about needing to solve fiscal problems, has not helped the talks progress. 

However, Neymar sent a clear message after the win over Real Sociedad: "We are speaking about a renewal because it is my intention to continue here." 

CONVERSATIONS 

The player, though, has ordered the negotiations to be delayed for a couple of months. Neymar wants to focus purely on football and wants talks to pick up again in April or May. 

Barcelona's posture will not change between now and then. They consider it is the ideal time to address this matter. Neymar is halfway through his current deal and Barça think that is a good time to touch base with the 23-year-old and renew. His new deal will notably increase the mass salary of the squad. That's not a minor subject, because on an economic level the club are trying to reduce the total each season to tie in with regulations. 

BIG CLUBS LURKING

Also, the interest of some of Europe's biggest clubs means Barça want Neymar tied down as soon as possible. Not just Madrid, but also Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have made moves for the player. They are clubs with huge economic power who would love to add one of the world's best players to their squad - and weaken a rival in the process.