Johan Cruyff: I wouldn't have signed Neymar
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Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has once again reiterated his disapproval of the signing of Brazil striker Neymar.
The 21-year-old completed his €57 million transfer from Santos to the Blaugrana earlier this summer, and many have been quick to debate whether or not he will be a success in Spain.
And Cruyff, who has previously played for, managed and held a director's role with the Catalans, claims he would have not signed Neymar if he had been in charge of the decision-making process at the club.
Asked by MARCA if he would have signed the Brazilian, Cruyff replied: "No, I wouldn't have signed Neymar.
"It's like the free-kicks. Neymar is very good at taking them. And Lionel Messi has already shown he is. Who's going to take them?
"Or the fact that Neymar and Barcelona are with Nike while Leo is with adidas. These are situations that could cause problems.
"We'll have to wait and see - it could turn out well or badly. It's a risk.
The Dutchman also believes that the Spanish champions should consider selling Messi now they have added Neymar on their books.
He added: "With Neymar on board, I would have planned for the possibility of selling Messi. Some would agree with that, others not.
"You are talking about a team, its players, the things around it... There are too may things at stake. That's why it's so difficult to manage such a top class squad."
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| Johan Cruyff still sees Lionel Messi and Neymar together as being risky Photo: Getty Images |
The 21-year-old completed his €57 million transfer from Santos to the Blaugrana earlier this summer, and many have been quick to debate whether or not he will be a success in Spain.
And Cruyff, who has previously played for, managed and held a director's role with the Catalans, claims he would have not signed Neymar if he had been in charge of the decision-making process at the club.
Asked by MARCA if he would have signed the Brazilian, Cruyff replied: "No, I wouldn't have signed Neymar.
"It's like the free-kicks. Neymar is very good at taking them. And Lionel Messi has already shown he is. Who's going to take them?
"Or the fact that Neymar and Barcelona are with Nike while Leo is with adidas. These are situations that could cause problems.
"We'll have to wait and see - it could turn out well or badly. It's a risk.
The Dutchman also believes that the Spanish champions should consider selling Messi now they have added Neymar on their books.
He added: "With Neymar on board, I would have planned for the possibility of selling Messi. Some would agree with that, others not.
"You are talking about a team, its players, the things around it... There are too may things at stake. That's why it's so difficult to manage such a top class squad."
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