By David Salazar, d.salazar@latinospost.com | First Posted: Mar 11, 2013 09:33 AM EDT
(Photo : REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) ) Lionel Messi (L) of Spain's Barcelona is greeted by Neymar of Brazil's Santos after their Club World Cup final soccer match in Yokohama, south of Tokyo December 18, 2011.
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo's potential return to Manchester United is commanding headlines, the transfer of Brazilian superstar Neymar is just as crucial to the sport.
Past rumors stated that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Satin-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester United were the frontrunners for the 21-year old's services, but it seems that only one team is in the hunt.
"I don't know if it´ll be now or later, but I think that Neymar will play for Barcelona," Santos coach Ramalho said . "If he goes abroad it has to be to Barcelona, because they have a similar playing style. If we have to choose a future for Neymar, I think it´s with them."
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"Neymar has a contract until 2014 with Santos, and the people that are looking after his career say that he´ll stay until then, but then I reckon he´ll move on to Barcelona," he added.
Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos agrees. "[Barcelona is] very well placed and have a 90% chance", Roberto Carlos told Al Jazeera.
It is essential to note that Ramalho has a bias toward Barcelona as he expressed in an interview with Sky Sports.
"We hope that he joins Barcelona as amazing as it sounds. We became fans of Barcelona after the defeat [in the Club World Cup final], due to how they play. I hope he plays there, but I don't know if he will go. It's just a hunch because of their tactics, technique - the way they play," said Ramalho.
Ultimately the decision will come down to Neymar and it seems that he would be happy with Barcelona or rival Real Madrid.
"I have no preference for Barcelona or Real Madrid. They are both great clubs that are respected by everyone. They each have their own history and fantastic players," said Neymar.
"Playing in Europe continues to be a dream, but I do not know whether it will happen soon. Only I decide when I'm ready for it," the youngster added. "I will make the move when I make the decision myself. It's not about anybody else, but solely my call. If I feel I have to go now, I'll leave now. But if I want to stay for five more years, I'll leave in five years." http://www.latinospost.com