‘No Neymar-Madrid concern’

Barcelona Vice-President Jordi Mestre isn’t worried by reports linking Neymar to Santiago Bernabeu. “I see no reason he’d leave.’

Mestre was speaking after Barca knocked Athletic Bilbao out of the Copa del Rey to reach the semi-finals, Neymar scoring amid suggestions Madrid will try to poach him from Camp Nou while he’s talking to Barca about a new contract.

“I don’t know if Madrid will bid or not, but surely lovers of football like Neymar,” Mestre said, AS reports.

“I’m not concerned. Neymar looks very happy. He’s won trophies, he was at the Ballon d’Or gala, he’s happy when he plays. I see no reason he’d leave here,”

Mestre was asked if Barca will make any signings in the final days of the transfer window and confirmed they’re only interested in Celta Vigo’s Nolito, and if an agreement isn’t reached, there’ll be no other business.

“We’ll try to satisfy the technical side, but in the case of Nolito, if Celta’s position doesn’t change, then we won’t sign him,” he admitted.

The first two of the Cup’s final four are known with Celta joining Barca after knocking out Atletico Madrid, Mestre though stressing he’s not concerned with who else goes through.

“The teams who go through must deserve to be there. Our goal is to reach the Final,” he continued.

“Favourites? We’ll see. Football has surprises. We’re the team with the greatest potential, but the Cup has surprises.”

Tags Jordi Mestre Neymar
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