Manchester United Transfer News: Neymar Hopes Boosted by Barcelona VP

Jordi Mestre, the vice-president of Barcelona, has told reported Manchester United target Neymar he can leave the club if he wants to, with little progress made on a new contract for the Brazil international.

Neymar confirmed recently discussions had taken place between his representatives and the Red Devils last summer over a move.

It has also been reported the Brazilian is to sign a new bumper contract, but Mestre confirmed there is no hurry to get a deal done, inferring that if Neymar wants to go elsewhere, he can do so, per Mundo Deportivo (h/t FootballEspana via Eurosport):

"

He has a three-year contract and the club have no need [to renew it]. He should only focus on playing, and now he has a very important role to play with the injury to Messi. When the time comes, we’ll talk.

[On his ‘low’ 190m release clause], everyone can talk, but what counts is what’s written. His terms are what they are for whoever wants to pay out. I don’t make decisions based on assumptions. I don’t speculate and only discuss situations when they’re real and—even better—written. 

I’ve always said that if a player wants to go then they can, be it Neymar or someone else, and if they want to stay then they will. It’s not a question of money. [The board] don’t make sporting decisions but economic decisions.

"

JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images

It’s an intriguing stance from Mestre. After all, while Neymar has given little inclination that he’s after a move away from the Camp Nou, if United do meet his release clause—said to stand at around £140 million according to Eurosport—there is a danger Barcelona could lose a player who is developing into one of the world’s very best.

Spanish football journalist Rafael Hernandez notes Barcelona also have to take action to stay in line with Financial Fair Play regulations too, although that doesn’t mean Neymar will be sold:

For United, getting Neymar on board would be some coup. There were reports this summer which implied the Brazilian would be keen on making a move to Old Trafford should the chance arise. In addition, he would immediately become the key man for the Red Devils, picking up a hugely lucrative wage packet too.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The Premier League giants wouldn’t flinch at paying the £140 million either. Neymar is still young, is one of the most recognisable figures in the game and would help this team back to the summit of English and European football. Still, it’s tough to foresee the 23-year-old leaving Barcelona after just three seasons with the Catalan giants.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, with talisman Lionel Messi currently out injured, Neymar has done his utmost to help fill the void left by his absence:

Long term, you suspect that’s a role Barcelona chiefs will want Neymar to take on on a permanent basis. Messi is likely to remain a key part of this Blaugrana side for years to come, but the Brazilian is the player who will provide a dynamic, penetrative edge in attacking areas, as the Argentina international did in his younger days at the Camp Nou.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

United are a club synonymous with drafting in the best young players in world football and while Neymar’s contractual talks continue to stall, will most likely have a keen interest in signing the Brazilian. But a lot of factors will have to align in their favour should what remains a fanciful transfer become a more realistic prospect.