Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has admitted the Spanish giants want to sign Santos sensation Neymar after the conclusion of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Neymar is part of Brazil’s Olympic squad vying for their first football gold medal, and the 20-year-old helped his country get off to a winning start; scoring their third in the 3-2 victory over Egypt.
Neymar is undoubtedly one of the most sought after talents in world football. Reigning European champions Chelsea were willing to part with €40million two years ago to take the striker to Stamford Bridge, but Santos refused to let their star player leave, while it is thought Neymar has always favoured a move to Barcelona.
It was reported back in March that Barcelona have in fact organised a deal that would see Neymar move to the Camp Nou following the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
It was claimed Barca have already paid €14.5 million of the total €58million transfer fee to Santos in order to secure his signature with the report from Cadena Ser stating: “According to several reliable sources Barca have already paid a quarter of the €58million to Santos to guarantee the transfer of the player.”
However, if such reports are true, the Catalans are eager to make Neymar a Barcelona player even sooner.
Bartomeu said: “We would all like Neymar to come after the Olympics.
“He is a Santos player [at the moment] but I am sure Neymar will come to Europe in the future, and when that moment arrives we will be attentive so he can sign for Barcelona.”
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