La Liga have confirmed they have opened up an investigation into Neymar‘s move to Barcelona from Santos back in 2013.
Barcelona signed Neymar in deal for a fee initially announced as £48.7m. However, this was later revised by the club’s economic vice-president, Susana Monje, who stated in July what the paid to Santos was closer to £16m, with the remainder having been paid to a company owned by Neymar’s father and explained as salary.
Sandro Rossell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, former and current president, had agreed to a £4m corrective payment and blamed the affair on mistakes made in tax planning. However officials from Spain’s top flight have now requested further information.
La Liga’s official statement, issued on Thursday, read: “In reference to the investigation opened into FC Barcelona regarding the Neymar legal case.
“Following widespread media reports, LaLiga confirms an informative hearing will be launched with FC Barcelona in relation to the agreement reached between the club’s board and the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Neymar legal case.”
The 24-year-old has come on leaps and bounds over the last three years at the Nou Camp, providing goals and assists on a regular basis.
Part of possibly the finest front three in world football alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar has managed 55 goals in 94 La Liga appearances.
Neymar made his first league appearance of the season last weekend, in the 2 -1 defeat to Alaves.
He then took part in the 7-0 win over Celtic in the Champions League, scoring once and assisting a further four.
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