The president of FC Barcelona has hinted someone at Real Madrid is behind the case of Neymar’s transfer to the Catalan outfit being investigated by the Spanish tax authorities.
Josep Bartomeu has been called to give evidence later this month over claims the La Liga side duped the Spanish authorities out of 2.8 million euros tax for 2014. The case is the latest in series of embarrassments for the Nou Camp side, who are barred from signing anyone this calendar year due to their illegal signing of foreign players under the age of 16.
The Nou Camp side initially claimed the total cost of bringing the Brazilian forward to Spain last summer was 57.1 million euros, but a fan took the club to court as he wanted more transparency over the deal.
Speaking on Spanish television, Bartomeu fell short of accusing Real Madrid of being behind the case, but hinted heavily that he believed it to be that way.
“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,” he stated.
He continued: “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.”
