Neymar’s $222 Million Barca Move On Hold Amid Transfer BanNeymar’s $222 Million Barca Move On Hold Amid Transfer Ban FC Barcelona’s pursuit of Brazilian superstar Neymar has hit a major roadblock after FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the Spanish club for violating regulations regarding the signing of under-age players. The ban, which extends until January 2016, prohibits Barcelona from registering any new players, both domestically and internationally. This effectively puts on hold the club’s ambitious plans to bring Neymar back to Camp Nou. According to reports, Barcelona had agreed to a world-record $222 million transfer fee with Neymar’s current club, Paris Saint-Germain. However, with the transfer ban in place, the deal cannot be finalized until January at the earliest. The ban stems from Barcelona’s alleged recruitment of 10 under-age players from foreign countries between 2011 and 2013, in violation of FIFA regulations prohibiting international transfers of players under the age of 18. FIFA has accused Barcelona of “inconsistent behavior” and “numerous violations” of its guidelines. The club has rejected the allegations, claiming that it has always complied with transfer regulations. The transfer ban is a major blow to Barcelona, which had hoped to strengthen its squad with the addition of Neymar. The Brazilian winger has been a key figure for PSG since joining the club in 2017, scoring 70 goals in 128 appearances. Neymar himself is reportedly disappointed by the delay in his potential return to Barcelona. The 30-year-old had been keen to play alongside his former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez once more. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to complete Neymar’s signing in January or will have to look for alternative transfer targets in the meantime. The club is currently under new management, with Xavi Hernandez replacing Ronald Koeman as manager, and is eager to make a statement of intent in the transfer market. The transfer ban also casts doubt on the future of other players linked with Barcelona, such as Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva. The club will need to carefully consider its options and weigh the potential consequences of breaching the ban further.
