Neymar contract rises controversy

Neymar's transfer to Barcelona is set for controversy. The deal has been a very cloak and dagger affair from the start, falling under the cover of the confidentiality clause the Culé management signed with the other parties involved. The Sonda group and Barcelona member, Jordi Casas, are now suing the club over the transfer.

Depending how the judges rule, Barcelona may have to pay €142 million for signing the Brazilian, taking into account the sum it has already paid, the performance-related add-ons and the outcome of the legal action, which would amount to €70 million.

Barcelona has openly reported the transfer fee to be €57.1 million. Of that amount, €17.1 million went to Santos and the other €40 million was paid to the Neymar & Neymar company, jointly owned by the player and his father.

There are other payments also linked to the deal. Another €7.9 million goes to Santos for preferential rights on three young up-and-coming players. Plus there is a friendly match to be played, for which Barcelona would have to pay €4.5 million in compensation in the event it is not able to fulfil the commitment. And if Neymar is one of the three Ballon d'Or finalists for any year while at the club, it will have to shell out another €2 million to Santos.

To this, everything that the Sonda group - in disagreement over transfer percentages - is demanding, the legal action launched by club member Jordi Casas for misappropriation of funds involving Sandro Rosell, etc must also be added.


/Marca/