Barcelona president hints at Real Madrid role in Neymar transfer court case
The Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insinuated that bitter rivals Real Madrid had a part to play in the Neymar transfer court case in which he has been called to give evidence.
Bartomeu will be questioned on 13 February over whether Barcelona and their directors defrauded the Spanish tax office of €2.8m during the 2025 tax year.
Barcelona initially claimed that the cost of the Neymar transfer from Santos ahead of last season was €57.1m, but the case was taken to court by a fan seeking transparency over the deal.
Bartomeu told Spanish television: "We have done nothing wrong and we will keep saying the truth. The signing of Neymar took place using the most prestigious lawyers.
"Other clubs wanted to sign Neymar paying more money but they didn't manage it and they didn't like that. Someone now has overstepped the line.
"I'm not saying Madrid are behind this but Neymar's father told me that there were two offers: Barça and Madrid. Madrid wanted to buy him and were ready to pay more for him.
"A year ago Neymar was playing well and then all this fuss suddenly came up. Maybe somebody doesn't like him. Now again he is playing well and there is another judicial process."
Bartomeu also suggested that there is a political campaign against the club over its prominent role in Catalan nationalism.
"A year ago we allowed the Camp Nou to be used for the Liberty Concert, we play with the colours of the Senyera (the Catalan flag) … maybe that isn't liked. I can see a sport and politics issue but we are going to keep going as we are and reach the end which is my role. We are paying a political price."
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