Currently playing in Brazil’s Youth Cup, the highly-rated striker says that he is happy at Santos, current holders of the trophy.
The 19-year-old drew a blank in Sunday’s 8-0 victory over Alecrim. Contracted until May and yet to negotiate a renewal, the player who many have tipped to be the next Neymar was asked questions about his future prior to the game.
“At the moment I’m here and while I’m wearing this shirt I’ll give my best. I would prefer to stay at Santos, not that I am even worried about it now,” insisted the striker in a brief interview with Rádio Globo.
Despite not scoring, Neílton was influential in the game, playing a part in both the first and last goals of the rout.
This week, the player’s manager, Hamílton Bernard, will have a meeting with investors with a view to keeping Neílton at the Vila Belmiro. The idea is to offer them 20% of the player’s economic rights in exchange for a contribution to the player’s salary. The Peixe would retain 50% of the rights.
If no agreement is reached, however, it’s possible that the starlet may leave Santos with many clubs likely to be interested in signing the youngster, including Botafogo, who have already made an offer for the player.
