Bayern Munich turned down €24m Neymar transfer in 2010

Bayern Munich could have signed Neymar for €24 million in 2010 but refused, claims Croatian agent Predrag Racki.

The 25-year-old Brazilian moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain last week in a world-record €222 million deal, but he could have linked up with the German side seven years ago for a much smaller sum.

In an interview with Novi list, Racki said that he attempted to facilitate a transfer for Neymar in 2010, but the Germans balked at the asking price at the time.

"It was the January transfer window in 2010 when Danny Budimir from Golden Goal Sports & Marketing agency in Chicago made contact with Neymar's agent Wagner Ribeiro," Racki said.

"At the time Neymar was 17 and you could tell he was top class, great technique, great skills ... he was only far thinner than he is today. I met Nerlinger in Munich after talking to him twice over the phone. He told me they were aware who Neymar is, one of biggest talents in the world, but got stuck with the price, which was €18m, with bonuses up to €24m.

"Nerlinger told me they will keep following him but that Bayern is not willing to give that much money for a player who is not 18 yet."

UCJ, UNILORIN.