Brazilian Star Denies Involvement In his Initial Illegal Transfer Agreement With Barca

Neymar Denies Role in Alleged Illegal Transfer Deal With Barcelona

Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has denied any personal involvement in the controversial transfer agreement that saw him move from Santos to FC Barcelona, a deal now under legal scrutiny in Spain for alleged fraud and corruption.

Appearing before a Barcelona court, Neymar, now 30, stated plainly:

“I didn’t participate in the negotiations. My father always took care of it and always will. I sign everything he tells me to sign. Playing for Barcelona was always my dream, a childhood dream.”

The high-profile case involves eight other defendants, including Neymar’s parents, officials from both Barcelona and Santos, and former Barca presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell.

All deny any wrongdoing.

What’s the Case About?

The central claim comes from Brazilian investment firm DIS, which held 40% of Neymar’s economic rights while he was at Santos.

DIS alleges that the true value of the transfer deal was deliberately concealed, depriving them of their rightful share.

Spanish prosecutors argue that Barcelona began secret negotiations in 2011, three years before Neymar’s contract with Santos officially ended, paying him €40 million to secure a future transfer.

This maneuver allegedly violated fair competition and transparency.

As it stands, prosecutors are seeking

2 years in prison and a €10 million fine for Neymar.
5 years in prison for Sandro Rosell,
An €8.4 million fine for FC Barcelona.

Neymar’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos, defended the move:

“Our intention was to prepare a career plan for him in Europe. And knowing his dream to play for Barcelona, we signed that priority agreement with them.”

Witnesses and Legal Strategy

In a video testimony, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez confirmed that his club had made official offers of €45 million in 2011 and €36 million in 2013, but Neymar opted for Barcelona.

Neymar and his family, represented by law firm Baker McKenzie, are arguing that Spanish courts lack jurisdiction, asserting that the deal involved Brazilian nationals and took place under Brazilian law.

They also claim the accusations relate to business competition law, not football transfers.

So far, only Neymar and his parents have testified voluntarily. The former club executives are yet to present their side of the story.