Neymar’s transfer fee was less than that Manchester United paid for Phil Jones.
We’ll give you a second or two to process that.
The Brazilian captain joined the Catalan club from Santos in 2013, with the fee at the time believed to be €57.3m (£48.4m). However, according to Susana Monje, the actual transfer fee was significantly lower.
Barcelona’s vice-president has revealed that the club only paid €19.3m (£16.3m) for one of the world’s best players. Blackburn Rovers, meanwhile received €19.5m (£16.5m) from Manchester United for Jones in 2011.
“The cost of the signing is analysed from what accountants and auditors say,” Monje said.
“Originally, the cost was €57.3m (£48.4m) with a €2m (£1.7m) add-on for [if Neymar wins] the Ballon d’Or. After the agreement with the courts, we have to take €40m (£33.8m) of the transfer fee and put that down as salary.
“The cost of the transfer, therefore, is €19.3m (£16.3m). Then €24m (£20.3m) salary per season. I would like to congratulate those who conceived the operation and the player for deciding to sign for Barca.
“Taking into account the player Neymar is, the deal is clearly below market value.”
The club are paying the Brazilian forward an astronomical wage, but undoubtedly got a bargain by paying relatively little for one of the world’s best players.
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