Neymar's destination has been a huge question mark for months now but it is becoming increasingly clear that the 21-year old Brazilian is likely headed to the Camp Nou to play alongside Lionel Messi and Barcelona.
Barcelona's Brazilian representative Andre Cury is the latest person to call for the move of the Santos striker to Barcelona. Cury also noted Neymar's importance to Barcelona in coming years.
"Barcelona are extremely interested in Neymar. He's on top of our wish-list. Barcelona do not sign many players, but Neymar is our first choice. We will be ready to pounce whenever he decides to leave," Cury stated in a radio interview. "Messi, Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta are all awaiting him with open arms. Neymar coming to Barcelona will put an end to two types of over-dependence: dependence on Neymar at Santos and over-dependence on Messi at Barcelona as we would then have another player at his level."
Much has been made of Messi's importance to the team. Prior to his insertion in the match against Paris Saint-Germain, the team was unable to generate quality chances and was on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions league. His 43 Spanish league goals represent 43.8 percent of Barcelona's total offensive output. When his 11 assists are counted into that mix, Messi has accounted for 55 percent of Barcelona's total offensive output in league play.
The addition of young Neymar would add another elite star up top for the Catalan side and would also force opposing defenses to split their attention. More importantly, Barcelona can start to relax and ponder about their future when Messi can no longer be the team's leader.
"In two or three years' time Messi will be able to pass on the Barca baton to Neymar, just like Ronaldinho did with Messi," Cury added.