Barcelona Transfer News: Neymar Sr. Clarifies Brazil Star's Future Amid Rumours

The father of Barcelona star Neymar has revealed he is “sure” the 23-year-old will sign a new long-term contract with the club despite ongoing speculation about his future.

The Brazil skipper has been in magnificent form so far this season for the European champions, with a nomination for the final three of the Ballon d’Or award cementing his status as one of the world’s very best players. And Neymar Sr. eased any fears Barcelona fans may have about a possible departure.

“We are going to renew with Barcelona, that’s for sure,” he said at the annual La Liga awards on Monday, per Sport. “He has three more years at Barca, so there’s no need for urgency. There’s no rush.… We are relaxed and sure that Neymar will continue here for many more years. He is happy in Barcelona and there’s no need for a change.”

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It was Neymar’s father who prompted a lot of worries about whether the samba starlet would be at the Camp Nou in the long term. He told Cadena Ser (h/t Sky Sports) earlier this year the ongoing tax investigation into the footballer could push him out of Catalonia, with Neymar also revealing that Manchester United had made their interest known, per ESPN Brazil (h/t Sky Sports).

Neymar Sr. explained the latest on these fiscal issues, per Sport: “We’re not asking for fiscal serenity, all that we want is that they understand us; that they see that our structure is valid.”

He was also quizzed on shock rumours that surfaced this week from Javier Matallanas of AS (h/t Sport) who suggested Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is “obsessed” with trying to sign the forward. “I don’t know anything about those rumours,” said Neymar Sr.

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Although things are far from ideal off the pitch for the Brazilian’s clan due to the investigation into his tax activities, on it he’s having a brilliant spell. Here’s a look at some of the finest moments from his 2015-16 season so far, in which Neymar has continued to grow as a player:

With Lionel Messi injured for two months of the season, the former Santos man proved he has the requisite mental strength to lead this illustrious team. The crux of the Barcelona attack shifted towards Neymar’s standard station on the left flank and he has relished being tasked with making vital contributions for the team.

The results have been spectacular, with 14 La Liga goals already this season, and even with Messi starting Barca’s previous two matches, Neymar’s influence has remained enormous. As FourFourTweet noted, when you consider how young the Brazilian still is, his achievements are simply staggering:

Keeping Neymar at the club has to be a priority for Barcelona. There’s no need to panic, as the player’s father alluded to, but with speculation swirling, securing the Brazilian on extended terms would help settle the nerves of everyone at the Camp Nou and quell what is admittedly fanciful talk about a transfer.

Neymar deserves a new deal too. The 23-year-old is a world-class player, and he deserves a contract that is indicative of this status.