Neymar Reportedly Seeking Dual Nationality in Boost for Barcelona

Barcelona star Neymar is reportedly close to achieving dual-nationality status, which will open up a spot for a non-European footballer in the Blaugrana’s squad.

According to ESPN (h/t Sport) the Brazil skipper “is in the process of soliciting dual nationality.” It’s suggested in the piece that after three years in Catalonia he is now eligible to apply for Spanish nationality, and doing so would allow the Blaugrana to sign another player who is not from a European country.

It’s also reported that this process "has nothing to do with the problems the Barca star currently has with the tax offices in Spain or in Brazil.” Neymar recently had £32 million worth of assets frozen by a Brazil court as part of an ongoing investigation into his tax activities.

Teams in La Liga are currently unable to use more than three players from outside of Europe. Neymar, a Brazil international, is a regular in the side, while his team-mate Luis Suarez, who is from Uruguay, is another.

Having played in Spain for a long time, the likes of Lionel Messi and Dani Alves, South Americans who are key parts of this Barcelona team, already have dual nationality, meaning they are not considered non-EU squad members.

Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press

For the Blaugrana, it’s not vital for Neymar to begin this process, but it will give them more freedom when it comes to pursuing new players in the summer. 

The Brazilian has been in sensational form for Barcelona this term, scoring 23 goals for the team in all competitions, and will be confident in his ability to help his side in its attempt to repeat last season’s treble success in the months to come.