Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Deal Revelation, Xavi to Al Sadd Rumours Grow

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed Neymar was signed one-year early to meet the wishes of former manager Tito Vilanova.

Neymar's transfer has developed into one of football's most controversial. An ongoing investigation aims to determine whether former Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell declared the full price paid to Santos and the player's family. It is suggested the club avoided paying taxes by failing to do so.

Speaking to Judge Pablo Ruz in February, Bartomeu admitted the late Vilanova was keen to include Neymar in his plans for the 2013-14 season. Cadena SER recently made the video of Bartomeu's examination public, and the chief's comments were reported by AS:

"

We spoke to our coach, who at that time was Tito Vilanova, and he asked me and the then president, if we could bring forward the signing of Neymar by one year as he felt that the team needed a player with his characteristics.

He wanted to make the signing in 2013 instead of bringing him over in the summer of 2014. The plan for Neymar was to finish the World Cup in Brazil and then move to Barcelona but we wanted to carry out the wishes of the coach. Sandro Rosell, had a good relationship with his father, spoke to him and we saw how they’d forged a deal to bring him to Barcelona a year ahead of what was originally scheduled.

"

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Incidentally, "prosecutors are pushing" for Bartomeu and Rosell to receive prison sentences, reported by Marca. Potential tax evasion of €13 million is noted.

Bartomeu suggested Rosell was the sole man responsible for the Neymar dealings, per AS: "In this case as it was a Brazilian player and as Sandro lived there, he knew the market well, so it was Sandro Rosell who dealt in all negotiation with Neymar’s father."

Despite the troubles surrounding Neymar's transfer, he has been a delight since arriving at the Camp Nou. He initially worked extremely hard to fit in with Barcelona's passing style—unlike his time at Santos, he is no longer the individual star—and he has reacted well to being given responsibility right from the off.

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The 23-year-old has scored 26 goals across La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and Champions League this season, per WhoScored.com, operating wide of Luis Enrique's front three. He is working excellently with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, two players who can help the Brazilian improve his game even further.

Xavi to Sign for Al Sadd

One man who has mastered his powers is Xavi, who could be set for a move to Qatari team Al Sadd, per Marca. According to El Mundo Deportivo (h/t Marca), Xavi will sign for "several years" and with the option of taking up a further year. It is indicated he will earn €10 million for each campaign he completes in southwest Asia.

Sport Witness translated further information from AS:

Xavi's on-pitch influence has diminished at Barca over the last two seasons, so it's certainly time for a new challenge. He possesses one of his generation's greatest footballing brains, making it understandable as to why Al Sadd allegedly want to make him an active part of the club's development.

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Although previously linked with a move to New York City FC, Xavi looks set to avoid the MLS in favour of heading to host nation of the 2022 World Cup. If Sport Witness' translation comes true, perhaps he could be the man behind the Qatari national team when this tournament arrives.

Barcelona are yet to provide official confirmation of Xavi's exit, an announcement which will be met with a glum feeling of gratefulness toward one of the club's most loyal servants.