Santos rule out possibility for Rodrygo’s transfer to Barcelona

Barcelona’s pursuit for Santos’ youngster received a big blow as Santos dismisses possibilities of negotiation.

Brazilian club Santos has dismissed the possibility of a deal with Barcelona for youngster Rodrygo. Santos’ president,  Jose Carlos Peres, confirmed Barcelona’s interest in the 17-year old.

This is not the first time when Barcelona have expressed interest in a Santos’ youngster. Neymar has previously signed for Barcelona in a controversial transfer deal five years ago.

However, Peres insisted that there will not be any negotiations with the Catalan club. Rodrygo emerged through the ranks at Santos and has become an exciting prospect. He plays as a striker, and can also play on the right-wing.

The 17-year old forward has only played 10 games for Santos so far, scoring 3 goals. He has earned 4 U-17 international caps with Brazil.

Santos’ president said that there will not be any negotiation with Barcelona regarding the transfer, owing to an incomplete Neymar deal.

Also read: Which players should Barcelona sign this summer?

“There is no planned meeting with Barcelona as we have a process open against them which is to do with Neymar,” Peres said.

The president claimed that Barcelona still owes €14.5m to Santos for the Neymar transfer. The Brazilian star forward joined Barcelona in the summer of 2013. The Brazilians also demanded that Barca pay them €4.5m for a friendly between the two clubs which never took place, although they claim it was part of the agreement.

Neymar left Barcelona for PSG last year in a world record transfer deal, when the French side triggered his release clause. Neymar’s deal with PSG is, to date, the most expensive football transfer deal, amounting to £200 million.

“It would be irresponsible on our part to meet with them,” said Peres, as he explained the complications regarding the Neymar deal.

According to Express, Liverpool also monitored Rodrygo last year.