The agent of Santos starlet Neymar has confirmed a date for the Brazil international to leave for Europe, with Chelsea, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid interested in signing him.
Chelsea are amongst teams likely to compete for the signature of Brazilian sensation Neymar, who will leave Santos after the 2014 World Cup in his home country.
The west London club will compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign the 21 year-old, according to the Daily Mail, with an astronomical transfer fee likely to be demanded for one of world football’s top talents.
The news that Neymar will finally leave South America to test himself against the best in Europe came from his father Neymar Senior, who also acts as his agent.
“My son will close a chapter in his life after playing in the World Cup here and will then leave for Europe,” said Neymar Snr.
FC Barcelona’s interest is well established – indeed club transfer negotiator Andre Cury has already confirmed that they are ready to sit down and talk figures.
“Neymar is Barcelona’s top choice, and I’m currently attending all Santos’ games,” said Cury.
“When they are willing to sell, we are ready to talk.”
Barca are considered favourites to sign the brilliant Brazil forward, with the club having made a real impression on him after thrashing Santos 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final of December 2011.
“It’s impossible to stop Barcelona,” said Neymar in his post-match interview, with coach Muricy Ramalho referring to them as “the greatest team in the world.”
Still, Chelsea almost signed Neymar in 2010, and since then have added the Brazilian’s compatriots David Luiz, Ramires, Lucas Piazon, Oscar and Wallace to the ranks of Stamford Bridge.
Neymar has since played on UK shores on multiple occasions for his national team, and if Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich can outbid FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, perhaps Neymar could become a world great in west London.
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