Brazil coach Dunga is due to sit down with Luis Enrique in the coming hours to discuss quite how Neymar's summer will pan out. This summer sees the Samba Boys take part in two competitions back-to-back with the Copa América followed by the Olympic Games.
Dunga would like to be able to call Neymar up for both tournaments, but he's nevertheless aware that Barcelona may consider that too much, quite apart from it potentially compromising the player's physical fitness. The Catalan giants are very clear about the fact that they will not allow their player to play in both tournaments, in the event that Brazil name him in both squads. In this regard, 'Los Azulgranas' can turn to the rulebook to support their argument.
If they were given the choice, Barcelona would prefer their striker to go to the Copa América, given that it's played immediately after the season ends. However, were Neymar to take his place in the Olympic Games squad, it would mean him missing out on games for his club side.
There is an appreciation at the Camp Nou that the Olympic Games are a special event and that these games hold a special significance for Neymar, given that they are to be hosted in his homeland. Regardless of whether Neymar goes to the Copa América or the Olympic Games, Barcelona will continue to be the ones paying his wages during the summer.
We're not talking about a measly sum here either. By the time the summer comes round it is likely that Neymar will have penned a new deal which will mean that the Brazilian's 17-day absence will end up costing his employers a sweet 1.3 million euros.
Source: transfermarketweb.com