Neymar will sign a lucrative contract extension with Barça after Copa America

The frenetic end to Barça's season has hampered attempts to extend Neymar's contract and to give the Brazilian a pay rise. Most of the deal has been sorted out for months, with only small details left to figure out, which will be done under the supervision of the future board. In principal, therefore, in August it is possible that Neymar will be photographed signing a contract extension with Barcelona until 2020.

At the end of 2014, Sport put forward the willingness of the club to negotiate a pay rise and a contract extension for Neymar. The good relation between Barça and the player made sure that discussion was prompt, with the foundation for a new deal soon in place.

Coninciding with a visit from his father in February, more concrete details and figures were addressed. From that point, the contract has constantly been passed back and forth in search of a deal which suits everyone. Sources at the club have admitted that they are looking to tie up all of the loose ends by finding a date where they can meet with the player during pre-season. It is said to be a formality.

The same sources which confirmed that the figures which are being considered have been decided and a closed negotiation since March. The club will maintain their promise of turning him into the second-highest paid player at Barça, and will pay close to 12 million euros net per season. It will also result in two additional years of contract compared to Neymar's current deal.

One of the details which hasn't been confirmed, is that of his proposed release clause, but it is believed the club wants to set on at the price of 250 million euro, the same as that of Lionel Messi. It would send a message to other clubs that the Brazilian star isn't for sure.

Neymar will not leave Barcelona in the short term. The player and his father have stated that they are happy at the club and "have hopes to extend his contract as soon as possible."

The achievement of the treble has ensured that the player has developed brilliantly over the past season. The understanding between the trident of Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez has been one of the key aspects of the team's historic campaign. Neymar has transformed into one of the biggest stars in football.

After the debacle of San Sebastian, everything appeared to have gone wrong and there could not have been more doubts or difficulties, but Neymar has always maintained that he wanted to stay at the club. He understands that Lionel Messi is an exception, that nobody can dispute his leadership and that he has the right to be treated differently in all aspects, including economically.

The former board of Josep Maria Bartomeu didn't consider it to be the right time to renew, given how much the team was playing during the last month. Neymar's situation was different to the extensions for Busquets, Pedro and Alba. Under the impression that everything was already tied up since March, the Brazilian instead focused on football.

From the start of April, there was confidence within the team that they could have a fantastic end to the season and fight for all three of the titles they still had to play for. However, the Brazilian still has to compete at the Copa America.

Regarding the question of the upcoming elections, Neymar's future contract is said to be in a "secure box" at the club, amidst the hopes that the board will be able to iron out all of the details with the player and his agent to reach a final agreement. It is taken as a given that none of the potential presidents will have a problem with the document that has already been drawn up.