Neymar race hots up as five clubs meet asking price

June 29, 2011 • • min read

Table of Contents

Santos president Luis Álvaro Ribeiro has confirmed five European clubs are being permitted to speak with Neymar after meeting the €45 million buy-out clause in his contract.

Santos striker Neymar celebrates after winning the Copa Libertadores

The clubs are named in widespread reports throughout Brazil as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

"We don't want to sell Neymar, but obviously there is a contractual clause they can pay," Ribeiro told ESPN Brasil.

"Five European clubs have offered to meet this clause. They asked to speak to the player and we've obviously given them permission.

"The clubs have been ethical, come to Santos first and shown willingness to pay the clause. With this ethical approach, they can speak to who they'd like: Neymar senior, Wagner Ribeiro (his agent) and Neymar's representatives."

However, Ribeiro remains confident that, after helping Santos lift the Copa Libertadores earlier this month, Neymar will opt to stay at Brazil.

He added: "These clubs can come and make their offers, but if he wants to stay at Santos then he'll say no and stay at Santos.

"It's not a good time for him to leave. The 2014 World Cup is coming and the eyes of the world will be on Brazil.

"If he stays, and wins the Club World Cup, the Olympics and maybe the World Cup, he will become an idol and can go to Europe having done it all.

"Right now, he lives close to his family and friends in the city he loves and is at a club that is right for him. There's no reason for him to go now. I think he'll stay."