Neymar to Barca

[Mase]

So as part of the Robinho loan we didn't have first dibs on Neymar??

[Alioune DVToure]

This pushes Villa closer to the door and it's interesting that he's been strongly linked with both North London clubs. He could be a decisive signing in the way RVP was for Stretford, and I'm not surprised that AVB seems to be busting a gut to try and get him in.

[Saul Goodman]

so how is it that he signed a contract today with the window not opening until July 1st?

[kinkylola]

I thought the window only limited when new players could be registered ... as far as I know clubs are able to do whatever business they please, whenever they please ... granted that a player will not be able to play until after they are registered.

I may be wrong, however.

[ant london]

I thought the window only limited when new players could be registered ... as far as I know clubs are able to do whatever business they please, whenever they please ... granted that a player will not be able to play until after they are registered.

I may be wrong, however.

You are not wrong.

You could essentially do a deal for a player to be transferred in 5 years if you really wanted I think....the window is only relevant as far as I know for the transfer or player registration and eligibility to play for the purchasing club

[Dameerto]

so how is it that he signed a contract today with the window not opening until July 1st?

Probably a pre-contract agreement. (If it's not bollox).

[Risby]

Probably a pre-contract agreement. (If it's not bollox).

Contracts are drawn up and signed, but they can't be registered to their new clubs until the window is open.

I don't think money can be transferred until then either because 'officially' they don't belong to the new club until that window is open either.

[Dameerto]

Probably a pre-contract agreement. (If it's not bollox).

Contracts are drawn up and signed, but they can't be registered to their new clubs until the window is open.

I don't think money can be transferred until then either because 'officially' they don't belong to the new club until that window is open either.

That assumes the 'selling' club had full knowledge of and agreement to any talks, which isn't always the case.

[john@staustell]

Always comes across as a bit of an arse to me. Hope he falls flat on his face in Europe. For every Messi you need a Makelele.

[sheblue]

not so sure about him, probably way over hyped like most young upstarts.

[Mase]

Always comes across as a bit of an arse to me. Hope he falls flat on his face in Europe. For every Messi you need a Makelele.

Makelele was quality you know.

[Ted Hughes]

Very very strange signing this imo.

Perhaps they can tell by experience that he will suit their style & destroy the league in Spain, but it feels wrong to me; as if Barca are losing their way.

[Nickyboy]

He's the replacement for when we sign Messi next week

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Very very strange signing this imo.

Perhaps they can tell by experience that he will suit their style & destroy the league in Spain, but it feels wrong to me; as if Barca are losing their way.

He might be just the wide left striker they need. But defenders are surely more crucial for them.

[Nigels Tackle]

Very very strange signing this imo.

Perhaps they can tell by experience that he will suit their style & destroy the league in Spain, but it feels wrong to me; as if Barca are losing their way.

doesn't feel very holistic

[Saul Goodman]

Very very strange signing this imo.

Perhaps they can tell by experience that he will suit their style & destroy the league in Spain, but it feels wrong to me; as if Barca are losing their way.

But defenders are surely more crucial for them.

Sounds like David Luiz

[bigblue]

Always comes across as a bit of an arse to me. Hope he falls flat on his face in Europe. For every Messi you need a Makelele.

Don't judge a man by his hair. Every interview and account of Neymar I've heard is that he is quite humble and nice person.

Barca look like they need a plan B when pass, pass, pass, Messi doesn't work. So a bit of flair and unpredictability may work out very well. Especially if they can harness his skill into the Barca system. Plus this transfer will net them mega money on merchandise and publicity.

[Slim]

He's a fucking idiot.

As for moving to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid, Manchester City or Chelsea, he said: "My family spoke to me about joining a club where you could not just win things but where there is stability.

"I didn't want to play for a team that changed its coach every season."

8 managers in the last 13 years and will make that 9 in 13 if Vilanova goes this summer.

[carl_feedthegoat]

He's a fucking idiot.

As for moving to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid, Manchester City or Chelsea, he said: "My family spoke to me about joining a club where you could not just win things but where there is stability.

"I didn't want to play for a team that changed its coach every season."

8 managers in the last 13 years and will make that 9 in 13 if Vilanova goes this summer.

But that would still not be every season.;)
Anyway , the twat was always going to go to Barca.

[DoomMerchant]

But that would still not be every season.;)
Anyway , the twat was always going to go to Barca.

And he is in a holistic system. Cough. Cough. Cough.