Barcelona defender Daniel Alves says it is time for Brazilian star Neymar to move to Europe this summer,.
The third best player in the world has been linked with moves to either Real Madrid or Barcelona in recent summers, but he has always indicated a willingness to remain at Santos until after the 2014 World Cup before moving abroad.
However, Alves believes that Neymar should move to Europe now as he has learnt all he can back home. He lauded the training methods on offer in Europe and believes that it would do Neymar’s prospects a world of good if he were to play against higher-quality opposition.
“He must go to Europe, for the sake of the Seleçao and his own,” Alves insisted.
“Brazil is now too small for him.
“In Europe he’ll learn things not taught in Brazil.
“He is a great player, but there he will improve and the opponents will respect him more.
“At Barcelona, Neymar will improve a lot.
“His profile will fit perfectly.”
One potential stumbling block to Neymar moving to Spain was removed on Wednesday when Santos were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Corinthians. The defeat means that Santos will not be playing in the World Cup tournament in December, where last year they lost to Barcelone in the final.
There have been persistent rumors that Barcelona and Santos have already reached an agreement for Neymar, and that Barca have already paid the first installment in the transfer fee. With the attacking options that Barcelona have, can you imagine how good they would be with Messi and Neymar in the same side?
