Barcelona

Barcelona are confident Neymar will sign a new contract with the club

Photo credit: AFP.
Photo credit: AFP.
Photo credit: AFP.

Photo credit: AFP.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said Tuesday he was confident that Brazilian star Neymar would commit to the Catalan giants beyond his current contract in 2018.

Asked at the team’s press conference if the Brazil captain was ready to extend his stay in Barcelona, Luis Enrique said: “I believe so, yes.”

Neymar, 23, has himself remained vague concerning his future plans, and after stating last month that he was in talks with the club concerning a new contract, he added: “I don’t know, life is very long.”

This has lead to speculation of a possible move, including to Liga rivals Real Madrid, with his release clause estimated at $205 million. English side Manchester United also tried to approach the player last year.

SEE MORE: Mascherano accepts suspended sentence, avoids jail time for tax fraud.

In recent months Neymar’s father has let it be known that his son will only extend with Barca if “fiscal stability” was re-established, with the player’s 2013 transfer currently being investigated for alleged tax fraud.

Neymar missed Saturday’s 2-1 league win at Malaga because of muscle pain but should line up in Wednesday’s Cup quarter-final return-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.

“He feels very good and there is no risk (of relapse),” said Luis Enrique. “He trained and is in perfect shape to play.”

200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $7.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season

EDITORS’ PICKS