Bayern Munich rejected Neymar in favour of Mario Gotze.
Bayern Munich decided that signing Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund was a safer option than trying to sign Neymar from Santos, Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sport Bild.
“We had a clear idea of what kind of player we wanted to sign and discussed this with Pep,” Rummenigge told the German paper.
“There were really only two players out there who fit the bill and were realistic transfer targets. One was Neymar and the other was Gotze.
“The eventual decision was made during a meeting in Zurich when the weather conditions were abysmal. I told Pep to glance outside and he asked me why.
“I then told him to imagine a Brazilian leaving his native country in 30 degrees, only to arrive here when it’s minus six.
“Additionally, he does not speak the language and the German culture is nothing like the warm atmosphere South Americans are used to. That would all be pretty difficult for such a young player.”
It is clear that the German side thought the transfer of 21-year-old Gotze, who is already a star player in the Bundesliga, represented less of a risk than signing Neymar.
Bayern Munich eventually decided to part with €37m to sign Gotze from German rivals Borussia Dortmund, whereas Barcelona took the plunge and spent £50m on Brazilian prodigy Neymar from Santos.
Many Bayern fans will surely be disappointed they never made a move for Neymar, as the Brazilian forward has mesmerised fans and opponents alike ever since his move to Barcelona was confirmed.
The 21-year-old was outstanding as Brazil won the Confederations Cup last month, but by this point, Gotze’s and Neymar’s big-money moves had already been finalised.
It is likely however, that Neymar would have opted for a move to Barcelona ahead of Bayern Munich anyway, because of the climate and the lure of playing with a number of South American team mates.
Whether Bayern Munich will end up regretting the decision not to move for Neymar remains to be seen.
Do you think Neymar would have adapted to the German weather conditions and the Bundesliga? And more importantly, which side has got the better deal?
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