Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez has said he has no doubts about Neymar’s long-term future and that the club has the money for January signings.
Robert appeared on Catalan radio and discussed the winter market, the first in which Barca will be allowed to be active after serving a transfer ban.
“If we have to make a move, I think it’s clear we can do,” he said, Mundo Deportivo reports.
“We’ve got time to think. Until January there’s time to look at many things and we have an obligation to do so.
“I watch a lot of players, yes. We’re thinking and we have a lot of information, but the winter isn’t easy and we appreciate that. What matters is what we do, and we know that.”
Robert was asked directly about Celta Vigo forward Nolito, formerly of Barca B and mooted as a long-term target for the club.
“Nolito has explained it well. We want to be calm and it’s not good to talk about this situation,” he replied.
“He’s a player of a high level, we see that every Sunday, and he’s in the national team. But in the summer I didn’t talk to anyone in his circle or at Celta.”
The situation with Neymar’s contract renewal was also discussed amid reports the forward wants to wait until a number of legal issues are settled.
“We face this situation well. I have no doubt he will be here all his life,” Robert said, having added that Rafinha’s new contract will be confirmed in the near future.
“Will Neymar sign soon? I don’t know, but there won’t be a problem.”
Regarding starlet Alen Halilovic, sent to Sporting Gijon for the season to get experience, Robert confirmed the long-term intention is to return him to Camp Nou.
“Hopefully he comes back. He’s playing and it takes time,” he continued.
“He needs to improve. Sporting has been a good choice for him.”
