Spanish judge Pablo Ruz has "agreed to investigate Neymar’s move to Barcelona" from Brazilian club Santos last summer following a complaint by Barcelona member Jordi Cases over the transfer, according to Dermot Corrigan of ESPN. The court is to "ask FIFA and the Neymar & Neymar (N&N) agency run by the player’s father for the various documents lodged for the transfer, amid reports that different versions of the contracts involved exist." The court has also requested to see the "alleged side-agreements made with Santos," which are said to have involved payments of €7.9M ($10.7M) being paid for "options on three other young players" and €9M ($12.2M) for two friendly games. Barcelona President Sandro Rosell had "repeatedly claimed that a confidentiality agreement has prevented him disclosing exactly who was paid what in the deal." Rosell said on Monday that he would be "happy to testify in court if asked" (ESPN, 1/22). In Madrid, Santi Giménez wrote "the figures from Neymar's contract could cost the club a fortune in renewing Lionel Messi's contract." Should "details emerge that Neymar is earning significantly more than meets the eye," a number of Barcelona players "will look for improvements to their contracts." Barcelona coach Tata Martino said, "I think this is a matter for management. Neymar will return when he is healthy and this [court case] will not have the least influence on him" (AS, 1/22). Former Barcelona President Joan Laporta tweeted, "President Sandro Rosell has to provide explanations to the members of FC Barcelona. That’s what they're owed. His silence is damaging the club’s image" (EP, 1/22).
