Santos take Neymar off market

Real Madrid and Chelsea transfer target Neymar is staying in Brazil after Santos declared the striker indispensable.

The 19-year-old was expected to be one of the biggest signings of the off-season transfer window as five European clubs clamoured for his services.

Real Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala had all agreed to meet Neymar’s 45-million-euro release clause, according to Santos.

The revelation sparked speculation the Brazilian starlet would soon be on his way to Europe, and reports from Spain indicated Real were close to sealing a deal this week.

But Santos President Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has since had a change of heart, declaring Neymar off-limits as he looks to secure his services in Sao Paolo ‘for many more years’.

“In the face of continuous speculation over the future of Neymar by the national and international press, I state that Neymar is not negotiable for technical, market and attachment reasons,” Ribeiro said in a statement on the club’s official website.

“Technically, he is the best active Brazilian player. He was decisive in the conquest of four titles for Santos in the past 18 months, plus the pre-Olympics for the Brazil national squad, at the start of the year.”

“He is the biggest idol in the national team while playing in the country, something which has not happened in many years.”

“Merchandising – Neymar is a media phenomenon recognised all over the world. His talent to produce brilliant plays on the field is proportional to his charisma, which has been used by several brands as a means to communicate.”

“Affectionately, Neymar is loved by Santos and by the club’s fans, not just because of how he plays, but, most of all, for all he is as a human being.”

“His expressions of affection for the club strengthen this umbilical connection. And this love is shared by several other millions of Brazilians who admire him despite their club preferences.”

Neymar’s agent also admitted the striker was unlikely to leave even if his release clause was activated, telling Brazilian newspaper Folha do Sao Paolo: “There is very little chance to go to Europe now. It would not be good for the boy.”

“The player is not a mercenary. It is not so simple that he would take the money and leave. He must be in agreement with all conditions of the transfer.”