SANTOS, Brazil — Brazilian soccer club Santos said five European teams met a $64 million (€45 million) release clause in the contract of its Brazilian sensation Neymar, triggering a major transfer war for one of the hottest properties in world soccer, Sky Sports reported Tuesday.
The clubs were understood to be Spain’s Real Madrid and Barcelona, England’s Chelsea and Manchester City, plus Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
It was previously believed that Real Madrid and Chelsea, which has been tracking Neymar for years, were leading the chase with the Spaniards in pole position. But now Barcelona and Manchester City have shown their hands, along with the well-financed Russian club.
“We don’t want to sell the player, but of course there is a release clause in his contract that can be paid and five European clubs have offered to match the clause,” Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro was quoted as saying by ESPN Brazil.
The 19-year-old forward has played five times for Brazil’s national team, scoring three goals. Neymar has been tipped as the next Brazilian to become a star in European soccer, following in the path of the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Robinho.
