Abramovich will pay out football’s jewel

Chelsea owner offers 50 million euros for Brazilian. In addition, he must buy him out of the deal the player has with Barcelona.

For reinforcements to his club Chelsea London, he has already spent almost 800 million euros during his tenure. Billionaire and owner of the London giant Roman Abramovich now faces a new challenge. And he will have to pay a hefty sum. The Russian businessman has set his sights on world football’s jewel Neymar. But for the Brazilian Santos player he must prepare at least 50 million euros, and on top of that win the battle with Barcelona. According to British and Spanish media, Barcelona has already signed a preliminary transfer agreement with Neymar. Abramovich would have to buy the Brazilian out of that deal. That would cost him another 50 million euros. “The truth is Chelsea hasn’t made any significant and especially expensive transfer for a longer period. And Neymar is a player who would undoubtedly fit Abramovich,” said football agent Jozef Tokos for the Economic Daily.

Start of a new era
Abramovich’s goal is to return his club Chelsea to the top of the Premier League. The last title in the world’s best football competition was won by the Russian billionaire’s team three years ago. “There is a generational change happening in the club and Abramovich needs to start a new and once again successful era of Chelsea,” said former London club player Jiri Jarosik for the Economic Daily. The winner of the last Champions League edition has been interested in Neymar since 2008, when former Blues coach Carlo Ancelotti picked him out. The Brazilian, however, resisted a transfer to Europe, but lately he sees the continuation of his career on the old continent. “I dream of playing in Europe. And Chelsea is a hot contender for me,” Neymar told British media. Abramovich would thus surpass his own transfer record. Until now it was the arrival of Fernando Torres at the beginning of 2011 for 58 million euros.

Negotiations with Barcelona
Abramovich, however, will have to beat a tough opponent in the fight for the Brazilian super-talent. Reports say the footballer has a preliminary agreement with the Catalan giant. According to Spanish media, two agents of the Brazilian footballer even held talks with the Catalan giant over the weekend about the transfer and agreed on exclusive rights. Abramovich would have to buy those out if he wants to get Neymar. “There is speculation that Barcelona already has rights to Neymar, but as long as it’s not certain, both Abramovich and the owner of another club can still covet the player,” added Tokos.