Barcelona are considering taking legal action against Santos over the transfer of Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa to Inter, according to Globo Esporte.
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The Catalan club, in conjunction with the Neymar transfer in 2013, reportedly paid Santos €7m euros to have a preferential option on three of their players – Barbosa, Victor Andrade and Giva. The reigning La Liga champions eventually struck a deal for Valencia striker Paco Alcacer but there is reason to believe he was not their first, or indeed second, choice arrival.
However, Barca insist the document sent over was not detailed enough and they did not grant permission for the transfer. Barcelona are willing to enter the courtroom to settle matters, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have reported Santos to Federation Internationale de Football Association for allowing the transfer to go ahead.
“Let’s not forget that they say they don’t have to pay our €2m included in the deal for Neymar”.
The 20-year-old Brazil worldwide joined the Serie A side ahead of the transfer deadline in midweek, with Inter forking out a reported fee of £20 million to sign the striker.
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A first refusal gives the club, who has such an option vested with them, the power to match any incoming bids that were accepted by the selling club regarding the player/s they have such an option on. Barcelona told Santos no to proceed with a sale since there wasn’t a lot of time left and Santos never really explained to them the method of payment.
