On Monday, Spanish daily newspaper, AS, reported that Barcelona had paid Santos €10 million to have first-option to sign Neymar at any point until 2014.
The article also reported that should an offer come in from another suitor, Santos would have to cough up €20 million to the Catalan club in order to back track the arrangement.
However, Santos refute the claims, insisting that the information published was unfounded, untrue and unrealistic.
The Brazilian club have also reiterated that Neymar would stay at Santos at least until the 2014 World Cup.
Santos’ statement from their official website reads:
“Santos FC communicates that reports, claiming Barcelona from Spain would have guaranteed priority in the event of any future sale of the rights of the athlete Neymar, are completely unfounded, untrue and unrealistic, and that a payment will be needed for such a privilege to be obtained.”
“As announced on November 9th this year, the athlete Neymar will stay with the club at least until the 2014 World Cup. His contract is wholly-owned by Santos, and includes no rights of first-refusal to other clubs interested in his services.”
