FC Barcelona: How Long Should Neymar Stay at the Nou Camp?
Contract negotiations are fraught with subterfuge. One side wants the most possible, the other attempting to stifle that ambition. Caught between alternating shots, in a sporting context, are the media and (most importantly) supporters.
Possibly the most important ongoing contract negotiation in world football is being conducted in Catalonia. Barcelona are looking to extend Neymar's current deal (which ends after 2017/18), but the tactics of deal-making have become readily apparent.
ESPN FC reports, as taken from Spanish publication AS, that the Brazilian attacking option might entertain the option of leaving the Nou Camp.
When asked if Manchester City were interested in him, Neymar told his interviewer: "Yes, yes." Then quizzed about his Barca future, the 23-year-old told AS: "I don't know [about leaving Barcelona], life is long."
His response was followed with: "So you only see yourself at Barcelona?" That was answered with: "I don't know that either."
Negotiation talk or something more?
Probably the former, but the discussion of Neymar's career path—as he left it open—will transform into a massive point of speculation until he signs a new deal with Barcelona.
Unquestionably wanted by any who can afford his services, Neymar is the best under-23 attacker in the world; a treble winner and 2015 Ballon d'Or finalist in the past calendar year, Barcelona's heir apparent to Lionel Messi is a coveted prize, showing the potential to dominate the next decade.
When that would happen, not if it happens, is our primary concern here.
Comprehending the art of contracts, Neymar's camp is correct to conceal their intentions. If Barcelona are confident the player is returning, their price will reduce. Being reluctant and open to moves elsewhere gives Neymar's camp the appearance of leverage.
If Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and/or Bayern Munich are linked with Brazil's No. 10, it can only improve his stature in contract talks with Barca. Neymar's stay at the summit could last a decade, but injury and football's general unpredictability are well-known. If an opportunity to increase one's earning potential arrives, it should be maximised.
Messi and Luis Suarez are further advanced in their respective careers, meaning Neymar is the only long-term building block Barcelona possess—it just so happens he has become more than useful in the meantime.
Not wanting to lose the world's best young offensive weapon, Barcelona are likely to pay the Brazilian as one of the world's top three footballers, but that does not necessarily mean he intends to stay for the remainder of his career.
Was choosing Barca as a 21-year-old wunderkind a 15-year commitment in Neymar's plans? "Life is long" suggests he projects forward, but joining in 2013, there is much work left to complete at the Nou Camp.
If legacy is on his mind, staying at Barcelona and winning trophies without the likes of Messi and Suarez would be an optimal move. Unlike Messi, though, changing leagues—once he has placed trophies in Barca's cabinet as the primary option—looks a further test of his quality.
The world's best should want to test themselves elsewhere, enjoy different experiences and discover football in multiple arenas. Neymar staying in Catalonia for the rest of his career would be fantastic for Barcelonistas but not quite for the sport overall.
A concrete number cannot be placed on the length of time Neymar should stay with Barcelona. Definitely not before Messi leaves and some time after.
Staying there his whole career, however, would feel a slight shame.
Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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