Neymar has been in the middle of constant controversy since he landed in Barcelona in the summer of 2013. Although the transfer of the young Brazilian is perhaps the most closely scrutinised in the history of football, nobody can yet be sure as to how much the Camp Nou giants actually paid to secure his services -- with the figures varying from the €57 million that Barca initially announced, to the €83m the Spanish courts are currently suggesting.
As is natural given the huge pressure on his shoulders, Neymar struggled to fulfil his potential in his first season with the Blaugrana. While the vast majority of European clubs would have been delighted with a 21-year-old winger scoring 15 times in 41 appearances in their first season in a new league, the Camp Nou faithful were left feeling that his performances could and should have been far more effective.
Despite linking relatively well on the pitch with quadruple Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi during the Brazilian's first year in the Catalan capital, it wasn't until all the off-the-pitch controversy surrounding his transfer disappeared from the front pages that the Barca career of the young No. 11 really began to take off.
The ongoing support behind the scenes from coaches and teammates within the Catalans' dressing room, particularly from compatriot Dani Alves, captain Xavi Hernandez and Messi, kept Neymar focused on football during an incredibly difficult period at personal level. Without such a supportive network behind him, the Brazilian could have crumbled under pressure and may have ended up as one of the many sad stories of players who found themselves on the scrap heap of world football.
Fortunately for all involved, the negative dynamics that Barcelona endured during Gerardo Martino's tenure as manager in 2014 all seemed forgotten with the arrival of former captain Luis Enrique to the Camp Nou hotseat. The Asturian's strict and methodical approach to training and discipline did raise a few eyebrows at first, but ended up having a hugely beneficial impact on key players such as Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Neymar.
With the firm hand of Luis Enrique guiding the way from the bench and Messi -- who truly learned the benefits of teamwork from the summer's World Cup -- helping him become involved in attacking transitions, it was only a matter of time until Neymar's talent exploded. With a spectacular 39 goals in just 51 appearances in Barcelona's Treble winning season, the Brazilian forward finally fulfilled expectations and, perhaps most importantly, made the vast majority of negative comments surrounding his transfer disappear.
Given his impressive performances to date, Cules are increasingly prepared to accept that Sandro Rosell's board may have paid an obscene amount of money for Neymar. Although it will take decades for the Camp Nou faithful to forgive the damage the ex-president caused the club, at least the player he signed is showing an impeccable work ethic, an incredibly thick skin to perform despite criticism and, above all, an ability to score crucial goals which have generated a record amount of trophies.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona are already considering an improvement to Neymar's contract. Reports indicate that his current agreement actually includes a clause which sets January 2016 as a deadline to improve the Brazilian's contract, but it's clear that negotiations are a priority.
The Brazilian, whose current wage is a whopping €8.8m-a-season plus another €7m in achievable variables, is reported to be chasing a €14m fixed contract plus a further €3m depending on sporting success. If such a deal was agreed, Neymar would become the second-highest paid member of the Barcelona squad - behind only Messi and ahead of highly-decorated stars such as Andres Iniesta and former European Golden Boot winner Luis Suarez.
Having seen interest from Manchester United arrive during the recent transfer window, it is clear that Neymar's dad and agent has a very good argument to demand that his son's Barcelona contract is significantly improved. Even though he has only just completed his second full year with the Blaugrana, nobody can deny that he is now a far better player than when he left Santos and should be paid in accordance to his progression.
There is certainly no problem with Neymar asking for a new contract which reflects his paramount importance, not only in the current Barcelona team but also looking ahead at the future. A potential €17m per season does sound like an obscene amount, however, so let's hope recently re-elected president Josep Maria Bartomeu can reach a more favourable deal that doesn't hurt Barcelona's finances too much.
In Barcelona, Neymar has found the ideal environment in which to grow into the world's best player once Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's standards start to come back to a more human level. Learning alongside the world's best player; being led by a manager with a clear plan; surrounded by teammates who are prepared to sacrifice their brilliance in his favour; starring in a near perfect Treble winning season. It's not a bad place to be.
Neymar recently explained: "I want to stay at Barcelona, no matter how many million pound offers come from England. The people from Barca can be calm. When I hear things like this, I don't think anything. I just heard it and I am calm. I am very happy at Barca and with my colleagues."
With that in mind and given his stellar performances and growth to date, there really is no reason why Bartomeu shouldn't work towards giving Neymar the improved contract he deserves -- even if that means breaking the bank to do it.