Neymar is one of soccer's fastest rising stars as he helps lead Barcelona through their season as one part of the Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez scoring front line. There is no question that Neymar is quickly becoming one of the best players in the world and Barcelona will now have to keep paying him as such if they want him around. With contract delays making fans nervous, Neymar has reportedly come to an agreement with Barcelona.
According to COPE, Neymar has signed an agreement with Barcelona that will extend his contract through 2021. The catch of this situation is that this is merely an agreement that Neymar will re-sign with Barcelona, but it is not a binding contract. There is still a chance that Neymar could opt out and head elsewhere as pressure to join the Premier League continues. However, this should at least help end some of the concerns that the Brazilian striker is looking to head elsewhere.
There has been a lot of debate about Neymar's status with Barcelona after interest came in from Manchester United and Real Madrid. He has heard all of the rumors considering his contract runs out in June of 2018. Neymar insisted that he will be with Barcelona for years to come.
"There is debate with it all -- the renewal and everything -- I am very happy in Barcelona, I have almost everything," Neymar said, via ESPNFC.com. "I have happiness and health. It is difficult to leave here because I have found a great city, a great club, some players from another planet and for me it's difficult but we have to see everything. These are things that make it difficult to decide but we must be calm because I still have years at the club."
With Neymar guaranteeing his status with Barcelona for years to come, will deals for Lionel Messi and Suarez come soon? There has been a lot of talk that Barcelona will not be able to meet the needs of their three frontline players. Keeping Suarez, Messi and Neymar altogether for years is not going to come cheap for the club. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeau made it clear that the club would be making sure that the roster stayed intact despite pressure elsewhere.
"All of our players are in a moment where we renew their contracts, we extend their contracts," Bartomeu said, via ESPNFC.com. "Right now I don't see that any of our players have to leave next summer. I cannot tell you if we have done it or not done it, but as a member of the board we are responsible people. We know what is best for our club. When something is done, we will announce it."
Neymar was the first domino to fall for Barcelona. Now they must work to give Messi and Suarez their money so that the wins can keep coming.
