How did Neymar end up playing for Barcelona?

For my latest article, I have decided to go back a few years and write about one of the most important yet complex transfers in football history; Neymar Jr's 2013 move from Santos to Barcelona. Now, let's trace back one superb story on how this little Brazilian sensation was able to sneak into the Catalan giants.

How Brazil have produced another young prodigy

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The Rise of Neymar in Santos

Neymar burst onto the scene with Santos FC, taking over as Brazilian soccer's most promising youngster. He was quickly identified for his talent and scoring, with many of Europe's top clubs enquiring about the then-forward - including Barcelona.

Barcelona's Long-Term

Scouting

FC Barcelona had been following Neymar since he was a kid. The club's scouts claimed to have got hold of one player who could replace Lionel Messi as the face, and new leader, of Barca in time.

Early Contact

Barcelona were enquiring as to his availability as far back as 2011. The club were keen to get his signature now before other clubs came about.

Complex Negotiations

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Multiple Parties Involved

The transfer negotiations involve a number of parties with stakes. Besides Santos owning 55 percent in the player's rights, it was revealed that there was a third-party ownership in which investment group DIS and Teisa had 40% in the player's rights.

Competitive Offers

However, they faced competition from Real Madrid and Chelsea as well which only increased the pressure on Barcelona to get a deal done.

The Notorious Pre-Contract

Neymar with Barcelona's president at the time

Barcelona's Strategic Move

In 2011, €10 million was paid out of the pre-contract with Barcelona securing Neymar a first option to sign with the star until he expired his contract in Santos on 31 December 2014.

Speeding Up the Transfer

However, Barcelona hastened the transfer in 2013 for the fear of Neymar being convinced to sign up with another club.

Stray Bits of Financial Information and Scandals

The Official Transfer Fee

Spanish and European champions Barcelona initially reported it to be a €57.1 million (£48m) deal , but a later investigation reveals a more substantial cost.

Legal Implications

The complexity of that transfer transaction became a legal issue for Barcelona and followed astonishing accusations against Neymar's father who was turned over to the Spanish authorities on corruption charges among others, such as tax fraud.

Neymar's Decision to Sign With Barcelona

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The Messi Factor

One of the things that made Neymar want to be at Barcelona was playing next to Lionel Messi.

Barcelona's Playing Style

So Neymar thought the Barcelona way tiki-taka would suit him and provide a stage to play on.

Official Announcement

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A Dream Come True

Barcelona announced Neymar as a player on May 25, 2013. For the Brazilian player, it's "like a dream come true"

Presentation at Camp Nou

More than 56,000 fans greeted their new idol in a full Camp Nou -flanked by two canopies with the Brazilian and Catalan flags on display- at Neymar's unveiling on June 3rd of that same year.

Effects of the Transfer

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In the Field

Neymar would arrive to make up a third of the now-dead "MSN" trio for Barcelona, helping drive them to numerous winners' medals including the 2015 UEFA Champions League.

Off the Field

The transfer had implications that spanned the football market — from skyrocketing transfer fees to fluidity of player contracts.

Conclusion: A Transfer That Revolutionized Football

Neymar's move to Barcelona was not just another high-profile transfer; it was more of a saga that defined the footballing landscape. This would top any list in terms of intricacies, all from the complexities of negotiations on this transfer to the on-field successes that followed.

Legacy of the Relocation

While Neymar would later depart from Barcelona and go to Paris Saint-Germain with a world record fee, his transfer to the Catalan club first was one of the most intriguing stories in the football history.