Brasileirão

Neymar, a 21-year-old Brazil international forward, is perhaps the most sought-after young talent in world football. But despite the worldwide attention surrounding his future, his next move largely remains in the realm of speculation.

Here's what we know for sure, along with what we think we know.

Neymar's current contract with Santos runs until 2014, according to Bloomberg. At that point he would be allowed to leave the club for free.

On Friday, Santos announced that it had accepted two bids for the player's transfer. Santos also announced on the official club website that Neymar would decide his future in the coming days (links here and here, both in Portuguese).

Beyond those facts, speculation reigns.

As the Daily Mail reports, most observers assume that the teams behind the bids are Barcelona and Real Madrid. This makes sense. Barca and Real are two of the world's richest clubs, and both have been linked with Neymar literally for years, as detailed by Spanish online newspaper El Confidencial (h/t talkSPORT) and ESPN.

No matter which club he joins, Neymar will generate plenty of publicity. His courtship has been a drawn-out process, with several clubs involved. As the AP reports (h/t Sports Illustrated):

The player officially rejected a €35 million offer from Chelsea in 2010, and a year later Santos said five European teams contacted the club to try to sign the youngster, who eventually re-signed with Santos until the 2014 World Cup, with a buyout clause of €65 million ($84 million).

Bayern Munich reportedly also was trying to sign the 21-year-old forward, who is touted as the future of Brazilian football and the main player carrying the country's hopes to win the 2014 World Cup at home.

Mundo Deportivo has reported that Barcelona and Neymar already have a deal in place, as has ESPN. Brazilian paper O Globo published a similar report earlier this week; soon after that, Diario AS quoted a Barcelona source as saying the agreement did not yet exist.

The AS report also hinted at what could be a complicated negotiation process. Neymar's release clause is reportedly set at €65 million, and his rights are reportedly shared by three parties: Santos (55 percent), DIS (40 percent) and Teisa (five percent).

More rumors abound over the transfer fees and wage packets offered by the two mystery clubs.

Real Madrid offered a massive transfer fee for Neymar and also more salary than Barcelona, but Neymar still opted for the Catalan club.

— Santo (@Zizouology) May 25, 2013

…

Sounds like Barcelona have finally agreed on a price for Neymar. I read 30 million euros... More to come....

— Max Bretos (@mbretosESPN) May 24, 2013

"I do not know if in the end (Neymar) will sign with Barca. That only he knows," Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was quoted as saying this week, according to Marca. "I know this is a player who has very different individual solutions. It is clear that for Barcelona he would be a wonderful hire."

At this point in the process, even that seems to be a matter of speculation. Neymar will eventually join a new club, but for now, we can only wait to see how the facts sort themselves out.

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One of the hottest properties in world football right now, Neymar’s immediate future and just whether it lies outside of Brazil is a topic to have been discussed ferociously in recent months. Read on for all the Samba starlet’s key scouting information heading into a hectic summer transfer window.

Age: 21

Contract Situation: Currently contracted to Santos until 2014, after the conclusion of the 2014 World Cup in his native Brazil.

Career Stops: Santos (2003-present)

Current Campaign: 2012 Brasileiro Serie A—17 appearances, 14 goals, eight assists; 2012 Copa Libertadores— 12 appearances, eight goals, three assists.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

 Like many young wunderkinds to come out of Brazil and the rest of South America, Neymar’s greatest talents undoubtedly lie in his trickery and ability to dribble.

That being said, the forward does have a remarkable knack for finishing when in front of goal, proving himself to not just talk the talk but walk the walk amongst the Brazilian elite.

However, doubts rest over Neymar’s physical attributes and just whether his frame would allow him to enjoy similar success in Europe.

Where Next?

Although a number of European outfits have certainly raised interest in the forward, Neymar’s most likely destination, if there is to be one, would appear to be Spain at this point.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been heavily linked with Neymar’s services in the last two years and a titanic battle between the two La Liga giants looks set to ensue.

Joinville goalkeeper, Ivan, is quoted by Goal.com as saying that after a recent match against Santos, Neymar told him he can’t reject a European move any longer as "it’s too complicated.”

This comes just several days after Barcelona were reported to have had a second transfer bid for the young maestro turned down, as Goal.com reports.

In general, the top players in the world play for European clubs. Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta play for Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Real Madrid. The list goes on and on.

Then there is Neymar, widely considered one of the top talents in all of football. The Brazilian starlet is wanted by most of the big clubs in the world, yet the 21-year-old continues to ply his trade in Brazil for Santos.

And it appears he will do so for at least one more season.

Neymar's father told Radio Bandeirantes (via Joe Wright of Goal.com) that the player will stay in Brazil until the summer of 2014:

The question is, why?

It's easy to understand wanting to stay close to family, supporting Santos for another season and representing his Brazilian roots. But if you were a player of Neymar's caliber, wouldn't you want to take on the top competition the world has to offer?

Wouldn't you want to make your mark in La Liga, the English Premier League, the Bundesliga or Serie A?

While Neymar is already a global star based on his international appearances with Brazil, he'll never take his game to the next level until he's battling the top clubs in Europe over the duration of a full season. Plus, he's also missing out on playing with some of the top players in the world (since it's probably safe to assume he's headed to either Barcelona or Real Madrid). 

He's ready for Europe, and this season would make sense to take that jump.

At Real Madrid, he could potentially be replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been rumored to be making the jump back to the Premier League (h/t David Kidd of The Mirror).

At Barcelona, he would be the dynamic goalscorer the team desperately needs to take some pressure off of Lionel Messi if the team is to reclaim its European crown in the Champions League. 

Financially, Neymar is just fine. Santos has been paying him far from peanuts, and he's already one of the world's most marketable athletes. 

But the trophies that really matter, the prestige that comes with playing European club football, the chance to prove against the world's best that he is an elite talent...all of that still awaits. Most people in his shoes would either be making the jump this summer or would have already taken their talents overseas. 

Apparently, Neymar will wait one more year to do so. At this point, it's a bit hard to understand why.

He is a player who captures the imagination like few others in the history of football, and his name will be the focus of all press attention ahead of the World Cup next summer.

But, just how has Neymar arrived at the present point in his career?

Without leaving his homeland, or even playing in a World Cup, the incredibly gifted 21-year-old has become one of the most recognizable players in football. It is quite some achievement.

The next few years will decide just how Neymar will come to be remembered, but those who have watched him develop believe vehemently that he will rank among the very best in the game.

So, then, how did a young kid from a coastal town in São Paulo state come to reach the top of the footballing world?

1992-2003: Early Life

Neymar was born in Mogi das Cruzes in São Paulo state in February 1992, but would move to the coastal town of São Vicente later the same year. It was in that town that he would begin his footballing journey, playing street football in the local neighbourhood. (The Age)

Growing up, the spindly youngster would develop his game in a similar manner to many of the world's great attacking talents—playing the indoor game of futsal. It would only be later that he would move on to the 11-a-side game, with local club Portuguesa Santista.

Neymar would be spotted playing for the club by the scouts of Santos at the age of 11, with the town of São Vicente neighbouring the coastal city. However, they would come close to losing the youngster to São Paulo FC, who were also impressed with what they saw from the young forward.

The video shown to the right shows an 11-year-old Neymar helping his side to success over São Paulo in a local tournament—it was the game that attracted the Tricolor to his talents. Santos, though, would be the side to eventually secure his talents.

2004-2008: The Pre-Professional Years

Neymar joined Santos in 2004, splitting his time between training with the club's academy and the private school in which he and his sister had been granted scholarships. (soccertalk.us)

His talent had earned him a chance at better schooling and was now taking him quickly through the ranks of Santos' famous youth academy.

By the age of 15, he was already appearing in the 2008 Copa São Paulo—Brazil's premier youth football competition. An Under-18 competition, the young star was one of the youngest on show, but it was his appearance that was attracting nationwide press attention. (Portuguese)

It was at the tournament that he would first play alongside attacking midfielder Paulo Henrique—at least in the public eye. Ganso, as he would later be widely known, would later play a major role in Neymar's career.

Yet to sign a professional footballing contract, Neymar had already signed a contract relating to "transfer of image rights". He was already earning significant money and, significantly, already had a release clause of $25 million on his head over a year before his senior debut.

Brazilian superagent Wagner Ribeiro, too, was already negotiating on his behalf.

To say that Neymar's arrival was highly anticipated would be an understatement. Links had already been made with Real Madrid and Manchester United, while comparisons with the development of Robinho at the club were a common occurrence. (Globo Esporte, Portuguese)

Having been put on a special diet to increase his weight, Neymar eventually signed as a professional just three days after his 16th birthday on February 8, 2008. A €50 million release clause was now in place, and a contract signed until 2011. A new star was, by now, very much on the rise. (Globo Esporte, Portuguese)

2009-10: The Rise of Neymar

Having signed a professional contract the year before, Neymar continued to develop with the Santos Under-20 squad—playing the Copa São Paulo youth tournament once again in 2009.

On this occasion, it was Neymar who was central to his side, having played a mere bit-part the previous year. The 16-year-old would score three goals to back up his growing reputation.

Soon after, shortly after his 17th birthday would come a first-team debut, as Neymar was granted half-an-hour in a win over Oeste. A week later, he would score his first goal in victory over Mogi Mirim.

So swift was his impact on the team that, despite being called to the Brazil Under-17 squad for the South American championship in April 2009, the request was rejected by Santos.

He would end his first state championship campaign with three goals to his name in 12 fixtures, earning himself the prize of Best Young Player in the process.

It was at this early stage that Santos icon Pelé would, perhaps inadvisedly, add to the hype beginning to form around the player by declaring to Globo Esporte: "Neymar could be better than me."

The young star would continue to draw plaudits heading into the league season, reaching double figures for Brasileirão goals in his debut campaign—despite missing a few weeks mid-season to take part in the Under-17 World Cup.

Pressure was already beginning to grow on Brazil manager Dunga to integrate Neymar into the seleção ahead of the 2010 World Cup. That call, though, would never come.

Neymar, however, would continue to improve, and come the start of his second professional season, he was ready to make an even bigger impact.

With the arrival of Robinho on-loan, the "Meninos da Vila"—Robinho, Neymar, Ganso and André—ran riot. Santos would win both the Paulista state championship and the Copa do Brasil in the opening months of the season, with Neymar scoring 25 goals across the two competitions.

Neymar would be named Best Player of the State Championship for his efforts, finish as top-scorer of the Copa do Brasil and, in December, be named among the Brazilian championship Team of the Year.

A place at the World Cup may not have arrived for the Santos prodigy, but he would be compensated shortly after with a debut Brazil appearance against USA in August 2010.

Brazil would win 2-0 on the night, with both Neymar and Santos colleague Ganso excelling, as the former also bagged himself a first international goal. It was a dream start to what has already become an impressive Brazil career.

2011: The Libertadores dream

Neymar achieved much in 2011, including winning the South American Under-20 championship, playing in the Copa America and being named the Best Player of the Brazilian championship.

Nothing, though, would top his achievement in carrying his Santos side to the Copa Libertadores title—the club's first since the era of Pelé.

Neymar scored six goals en-route to continental success, including registering in the competition's final three rounds. Santos had reached the pinnacle of the South American game once more, and there was no doubt who had become their poster boy.

The year had started in fine style at the South American championships, where he scored on nine occasions to fire Brazil to the title and Under-20 World Cup later that summer.

A second state championship success would proceed the Libertadores triumph, and, for the second year in succesion, Neymar was named as the best player of the competition. He would, though, face criticism.

Following the Libertadores, Neymar would not attend the Under-20 World Cup. Instead, Brazil's brightest young talent was heading to Argentina for the Copa America.

It was not to be a success story for either Brazil, or their young star, though, as a second round exit to Paraguay awaited. The Santos forward would score twice in the tournament, but face criticism of some of his performances despite his tender years.

As ever, though, Neymar was ready to bounce back, and finished the league season in fine style—scoring 14 goals in 17 appearances. It was enough to see him named Player of the Year, and would also help him win the prestigious 2011 South American Player of the Year award. (Goal.com)

The year was not yet over, though, as Santos headed to Japan for the Club World Cup. However, while Neymar would be named the tournament's Bronze Ball award for a fine showing in victory of Kashiwa Reysol, Santos would find themselves outclassed by European champions Barcelona in the final. (Guardian)

It was to be a disappointing end to a fine season.

2012-Present: A Global Superstar Finding His Feet

The 2012 season got off to a bang for Neymar, as he flew to Europe to collect his FIFA Ferenc Puskas award for the best goal of the 2011 calendar year. The prize was in recognition of his stunning solo effort against Flamengo, shown below.

Once back in Brazil, though, matters settled back into a familiar routine as Neymar guided his Santos side to a third consecutive state title. On an individual level, there was a third consecutive Best Player award for Neymar to take home.

It was to be a year of goalscoring records for Neymar, with both club and country.

A return of 43 goals in 47 games for Santos represented the best haul of his short career to date, while a further nine goals were added in the colours of Brazil.

Despite finishing as the top-scorer in the Libertadores, though, Neymar was unable to match the feat of back-to-back titles that Pelé's side in the 1960s had managed. A semifinal defeat to Corinthians saw Santos come close, but not close enough, to retaining their title.

Another European summer brought another major tournament for the Brazilian idol, and this time it was the Olympic Games that was capturing the imagination.

Brazil has never won Gold in Olympic football, and appeared to have the best squad in the competition. Sadly, though, it would turn out to be a massive letdown for the Seleção, and for Neymar in particular.

The lively forward had looked sharp in the tournament's early stages, scoring three goals and creating several goals for teammates. Like his side, though, he failed to raise his game in the final—prompting criticism once more.

As stated, though, Neymar was about to go on his best run of goalscoring form in a Brazil shirt—albeit against the likes of China, Iraq and Japan.

The stunning run of form, for club and country, would see him finish 2012 in fine style and earn him the award of "hors concours" from Placar magazine, the first awarding of the title since it was esteemed upon Pelé in 1970. (Goal.com)

That title would be followed up by a nomination for the FIFPro Team of the Year and a second nomination for the Puskas award at FIFA's end of year gala. (ESPN) Once more, Neymar was named South American Player of the Year. (Sambafoot)

And so, to 2013 we arrive, with Neymar threatening to breakthrough onto the level of the world's top few players.

While performances in international games against European opposition may not place him on that level yet, it will surely not be long until he does reach the next stage of his development.

Neymar, just 21, is the standout player for five-time world champions Brazil, and has been for some time. It is he, and not the likes of Oscar and Lucas Moura, who will carry the burden of responsibility into next year's World Cup.

Where he will next choose to ply his trade and when has been the main topic of discussion for some time, but he remains at Santos for now. After a slow start to the new year, he has once more set about stamping his authority on the Brazilian domestic game.

Talents like Neymar do not emerge very often, and there are justifiable reasons that he has been compared with the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He may be far from their respective levels at present, but talent will never be an issue for the brightest of all the Meninos da Vila.

With nine goals scored in his past six games, it is fair to say that Neymar is back in some sort of form. Having previously gone six games without finding the back of the net—his longest scoreless run since early 2011—it will no doubt come as a major relief to the young star.

The 21-year-old has become accustomed to success and, throughout his entire senior career to date, has been a regular goalscorer and provider of assists for both club and country.

Such a loss of form, amplified by a lack of success in recent international fixtures, led to much scrutiny within the Brazilian media. Neymar's status as Brazil's biggest star will always attract such attention—warranted or not.

At such a time, the pressure on the young star must have been immense. To top it all off, the likes of Brazil legend Pele were commenting on his performances and his future was a seemingly endless topic for press discussion.

He could be forgiven for wondering what exactly he had done to warrant such unforgiving scrutiny.

Predictably, though, just as pressure began to mount, Neymar has produced answers—or, some, at least. He may not be performing against the top-level opposition most would like to see him perform against, but he is performing.

It seems, too, that we may be about to obtain some answers with regards to his future career plans. 

Following a week of increased speculation in Spain that Neymar would be heading the way of Barcelona as early as this summer, Goal.com reported on Thursday that the star will travel to the club for talks following the Confederations Cup in July.

Whether true or not, it is the latest in a series of reports linking the forward with a move to Barcelona—and, indeed, a move later this summer.

There is an increasing trend in the tone of reporting to suggest that that Neymar will soon be on his way out of Santos—who will not want to be left penniless in 2014—and it appears matters may be coming to a head.

Neymar has had a difficult time of things professionally in 2013, and, with colleagues Lucas Moura and Oscar excelling in Europe, it may just be that he considers it the correct time to leave.

Unlike either of those two, Neymar's place in the Brazil national side is secure, and, if at Barcelona, there could be little better place to make his adaptation whilst retaining form.

For the moment, stories must be treated as conjecture. However, on a personal and professional level, it is easy to imagine why he may wish to move away from Brazil at present.

The pressure of being Brazil's major hope at the 2014 World Cup—and the pressure that goes with that territory—may just be easier to deal with from afar. However, ultimately, it is his decision to make—whatever he may decide.

Brazil centre-back Dede secured his future in Brazilian football on Wednesday, with the announcement that the man known as "O Mito" (The Myth) would be joining Belo Horizonte side Cruzeiro.

The Mineiro side were triumphant, declaring "The Myth is ours" across the homepage of their official website. For the ambitious Brasileirao contenders, Dede's capture represents a major coup ahead of the 2013 league season.

But, for Dede, what does the deal mean? After all, this is a player linked with the bright lights of European football in recent weeks, with the likes of Chelsea among those most heavily linked. (Express)

Those plans, then, are on hold for the time being, as Dede assumes his role as the star man in Cruzeiro's pursuit of a Copa Libertadores place in 2014. For everyone concerned, including the player, it might not be as bad a career move as many in Europe would think.

At 24, it would normally have been the ideal time for the player to make a switch across the Atlantic, that much is true. However, Brazilian football is currently entering a far from normal period in its development.

The 2014 World Cup, which the country will host, is now having a major bearing on the decisions of those who are in line to appear at the event—Dede included.

At present, his participation next summer is far from secure. He is currently the fourth choice centre-back in Luiz Felipe Scolari's recent Brazil squads and, thus, is the most insecure of Brazil's defensive options.

In an ideal world, then, he would have remained at Vasco until after that tournament. The risks of adapting to playing football in a foreign country—at a side where competition would surely be intense—make maintaining the status quo Dede's safest option.

Vasco, though, are in a dire mess financially and, despite desperately attempting to retain their captain for as long as possible, have finally been forced to concede defeat and take the money on offer.

Cruzeiro, with their offer of €5 million on the table, were the first side to offer substantial money up front, and that money will now travel to the pockets of Vasco's various creditors, with former star Romario near the front of an alarmingly lengthy queue.

In that sense, the deal is a win-win scenario for all sides. Cruzeiro obtain a wonderful defender at a low price, Vasco obtain a cash injection that should secure their immediate future, and Dede can continue to push his case ahead of Brazil 2014 in relative comfort, with a side aiming to win titles in the coming year.

However, there is another winner in all this—investment company DIS. Dede's ownership is not a simple setup, with Cruzeiro simply purchasing much of the 45% of the player's economic rights owned by Vasco. The overall value of the player in this transaction, then, is closer to €11 million.

DIS will retain their own 45 percent stake in the player, as will separate financiers Agility with their remaining 10 percent stake. DIS, though, who own rights to several famous Brazilian talents, will join Cruzeiro paying some of €5 million fee and, in turn, increasing their ownership of the player.

Thus, the club save some money and obtain a standout defender, while DIS increase their ownership of one of their most valuable assets. With the English FA forbidding third-party involvement in player ownership, this move represents their last chance to maximise their profit.

Assuming Dede's value does not drop below its current €11 million level, DIS stand to make a further profit on their increased investment. Given the figures that have previously been quoted for Dede, that should be a mere formality.

Cruzeiro, then, will not expect to retain Dede for long—most probably until after the 2014 World Cup. However, they and their new business partners could both make a tidy profit in 12 months time, while the club will also benefit from the player's talents for that period.

With Dede himself looking to remain in familiar environs and push his claims for a place at the World Cup, it is somewhat of a marriage of convenience. His time in Europe, potentially in the the Premier League, will still inevitably come.

For now, though, he will seek to guide his new side to long-awaited success and could well begin with the state championship title in the weeks to come. Should he do so, then a place at the 2014 World Cup and subsequent move to a European giant surely await.

While the best in Europe were competing Wednesday night, Neymar and Santos had a big game of their own against Flamengo in the first round of the Copa do Brasil.

And much like the Champions League quarterfinals, the Brazilian match produced some top-class skill. In Spain, FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta impressed with a slick 180-degree turn inside the Paris Saint-Germain box (GIF here, h/t Who Ate All The Pies).

And in Brazil, Neymar pulled off a no-look, backheel flick to set up a goal. Here's what happened.

Setting up about 10 yards outside the box, Neymar received a pass in the middle with his back to goal. Then, spotting the run of his teammate Giva, Neymar used his first touch to flick the ball into Giva's path.

Giva, a 20-year-old Brazilian forward, took care of the rest, rounding the keeper and scoring the opening goal in the 26th minute. A clip of the goal appears above. It's our Set Piece Video of the Day for this Thursday. Watch and enjoy.

Santos went ahead 2-0 five minutes later through Walter Montillo's header (Neymar supplied the assist again), but couldn't hold the lead. Flamengo responded with goals either side of halftime to claim a 2-2 draw. Edson Di did the honors both times, scoring in the 34th (from the penalty spot) and 55th minutes.

Full highlights of the match can be seen here.

The second leg of the tie will be held next Wednesday in Santos' Estadio Vila Belmiro.

(h/t 101 Great Goals)

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He is the name on the lips of the biggest spenders in European football. Everybody and anybody who considers themselves part of the Champions League elite has looked at Neymar, but it is now at a point where only very few can afford to add him to their ranks.

The reason for the demand is clear—Neymar is an outstanding footballer with the potential to reach the very top of the game. Importantly, he also brings with him a collection of sponsors to make even Cristiano Ronaldo weep, as well as access to the massive emerging market of Brazil.

He is a player who captures the imagination like few others can, and with his interest in fashion and style, he has the potential to be the biggest footballing earner since David Beckham.

It should not be forgotten, though, that the most important factor behind his incredible popularity is footballing ability, and a major part of that is his ability to play a number of roles for a side.

The Santos forward has spent much of his career operating as a second striker. With a central target-man leading the line, his ability to read the game and finish snap chances makes him an important figure.

It is a role from which he is allowed to drift out to his favoured left-flank and exploit any weakness, while also maintaining a central-striking presence when the time allows.

He has also, over the past 18 months to two years, improved his skills greatly as a playmaker during the prolonged absences of former colleague Ganso.

It is a position he has excelled in and could be called into action were he to move to Manchester City or Bayern Munich but would be less likely to play should he sign for Barcelona. For now, it must be considered Neymar's strongest tactical role, but there is little doubt he could be utilised elsewhere.

Should Neymar—as has been widely reported (Goal.com)—choose to join Barcelona when he leaves Santos, it is far more likely that he would be utilised in a left-sided inside forward role or as an occasional "False Nine."

The young Brazilian has played as an inside forward on a semi-regular basis throughout his career, and with David Villa's position at the club under continual review, it is the most obvious role for him to take up on arrival.

With a natural inclination to cut infield from the left and shoot right-footed, it is a role to which Neymar is well suited. At the international level, he has played in the role on a regular basis to varying effect but would surely benefit from playing in as well-oiled a unit as Barcelona on a regular basis.

The inside forward should be a goalscoring threat from a wide starting position, as Neymar no doubt is. What Neymar also offers that would place him among the best worldwide in the role is the ability to beat his marker on either side and use his left foot on a regular basis.

He has the potential to be highly destructive in the role.

If needed, though, Neymar could also operate as a false nine for the Catalan side with little second thought. With Brazil, Neymar spent much of 2012 playing the role in Mano Menezes' side and finished the year with an impressive return of nine goals in 12 games.

The role in Barcelona's preferred setup is naturally afforded to Lionel Messi, but Neymar would be the most natural replacement in the position the club could find. Certainly, he would be a more natural fit than either Alexis Sanchez or Cesc Fabregas, who have deputised over the past two seasons.

Neymar—although he can be selfish—has the ability to link play well in deeper areas and, if required, can lead the line and provide an aerial threat.

In that respect, he is one of the most rounded forwards in world football at present and, with the quality Barcelona could offer around him, would slip comfortably into a false-nine role if needed.

Perhaps, too, it is a role he would be asked to play should Pep Guardiola look to take him to Bayern Munich as has been suggested. (Metro)

It is this ability to play a selection of attacking roles to a very high level that makes Neymar such an attractive prospect to Europe's top sides. He is not pigeon-holed into one position and, no doubt, has been eyed for differing roles by each team that have looked at securing his signature.

As a long-term signing, he is the ideal choice. With his potential pull of high-profile sponsors, he would earn a significant amount of money for whichever club takes the gamble and he will no doubt assist in winning of trophies.

Importantly, though, whichever coaches or managers may come and go, he has the ability to adapt to their various preferred setups. With both Santos and Brazil he has been moved into a variety of roles and succeeded in each, becoming the leading light of both sides.

There are justifiably still doubts about his ability at the top level from many in Europe, but for those who have seen him progress, there is little reason to doubt that he can reach the very top levels of the game.