Neymar heading to Barcelona has been the most recent story surrounding the young player. According to some reports, it seems that the youngster is set to meet with the club in July.
According to Zeenews and Goal.com, Neymar will meet with Barcelona shortly after representing Brazil in the Confederations Cup in June. "Neymar will play at the Confederations Cup this summer and will then take a one-week holiday. He will travel to Barcelona on July 9," a source close to the player revealed to Goal.com.
Many thought that Neymar was leaving Brazilian club Santos in January but the 21-year old decided to remain with his old team. However, many players, friends and family have suggested that he make the change to Europe in order to improve his game in time for the World Cup in 2014.
Barcelona representative Andre Cury recently stated that the club wanted him to be part of its present and lead its future. "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."
He added, "In two or three years' time Messi will be able to pass on the Barca baton to Neymar, just like Ronaldinho did with Messi."
Neymar's Santos Coach Ramalho agreed with the move to the Camp Nou and added, "I don't know if it´ll be now or later, but I think that Neymar will play for Barcelona. If he goes abroad it has to be to Barcelona, because they have a similar playing style. If we have to choose a future for Neymar, I think it´s with them."