Barcelona have reportedly won the race to sign Brazil sensation Neymar by securing a $71 million deal for the striker.
The Catalan club is hopeful of bringing Neymar to the Camp Nou after the London Olympic Games although it is unlikely he will move before the 2013-2014 season, Brazilian website Intereconomia reported.
he 20-year-old is currently contracted with Brazilian club Santos until the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Barcelona is understood to have made a down-payment for the star which guarantees his transfer to the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champion.
he 20-year-old is currently contracted with Brazilian club Santos until the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Barcelona is understood to have made a down-payment for the star which guarantees his transfer to the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champion.
News of the deal follows calls from former Brazil international strikers Ronaldo and Rivaldo for Neymar to join a European club to fulfill his potential.
The reported deal ends the hopes of Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid, which have also expressed their interest in the starlet.
The deal is the third biggest transfer fee in the history of the sport.
