Neymar Jr. boldly admits he was offered a blank cheque by Real Madrid before Barcelona move

Brazilian star Neymar Jr. revealed that he was offered a 'blank cheque' by Real Madrid back in 2013 prior to his move to FC Barcelona.

Neymar Jr. boldly admits he was offered a blank cheque by Real Madrid before Barcelona move

Neymar Jr. admitted that he received a lucrative offer to join Real Madrid in 2013. (via CNN)

Ex-Barcelona forward Neymar Jr. revealed that he was offered a lucrative deal by the Catalan club’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, ahead of his 2013 transfer. Neymar joined the Blaugranes that year, spending a successful four-year tenure at the club.

Back in 2013, Neymar Jr. was one of the emerging football talents. After humble beginnings at Brazilian Serie A side Santos, he went on to join FC Barcelona for a massive transfer fee of €88 million. He had previously won the 2011 Puskas award for a spectacular solo goal against Flamengo. Following his stint in the Spanish league, he played for PSG and Al-Hilal and then returned to Santos this year.

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Neymar Jr. had reportedly rejected several transfer bids, including ones from West Ham and Chelsea, prior to his Barca move. Speaking on the Brazilian podcast Podpah, the 33-year-old revealed that he also received an offer from La Liga giants Real Madrid. He boldly admitted to having even received a ‘blank check’ from the Los Blancos, who wished to acquire his services in 2013.

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Neymar shockingly revealed that Real Madrid were willing to pay any amount in order to sign him that year. Moreover, he added that he would have earned three times the money he did at Barcelona had he decided to join the Los Blancos. The Brazilian icon, however, exclaimed that he wished to play alongside his idol and later teammate Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona, which ultimately impacted his decision.

I received an offer from both. From Real Madrid it was practically a blank cheque. Real Madrid said ‘put the paper and we pay’… If I had gone to Real Madrid I would have earned three times more than at Barcelona.

Neymar Jr. on an offer from Real Madrid (H/T Marca)

Nonetheless, the 33-year-old went on to forge an impeccable partnership with Messi and Luis Suarez at the Catalan club. Real Madrid, on the other hand, shifted their focus to signing Welshman Gareth Bale from Tottenham in 2013.

Neymar Jr. back to Barcelona? Summer transfer buzz heats up

Neymar Jr. could have unfinished business in La Liga and is reportedly eyeing a return to Barcelona in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Brazilian forward is currently playing for Santos after having signed a short-term, five-month-long deal in January.

Neymar Jr. Barcelona return
Neymar Jr. could make a return to his former club FC Barcelona in the summer. (via BBC)

Neymar returned to his boyhood club last month. It came after his contract at Saudi PL side Al-Hilal was prematurely terminated owing to persistent injury issues. His long-term plans remain unclear amid rumors linking him to FC Barcelona. Negotiations between the 33-year-old’s representatives and Barca have reportedly held discussions over a possible summer transfer.

Moreover, it would also help Neymar in making a return to the Brazilian national side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also has an impressive record at Barca, having provided 181 goal contributions in just 186 appearances.