Neymar posts ‘Good luck, kid’ to Gabriel Jesus after Barcelona deal

Neymar has sent Gabriel Jesus a brief message of encouragement after the Brazilian striker completed his move from Arsenal to Barcelona.

The former Barcelona forward shared a photograph of Jesus on Instagram following Tuesday’s official announcement, adding the words: “Good luck, kid”.

The pair know each other well from their time together with the Brazil national team. Neymar also understands the demands Jesus will face in Catalonia, having spent four seasons at Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a record fee of 222 million euros.

During his time at Barcelona, Neymar won the Champions League in 2015. His experience of playing for the club means he is familiar with the scale of expectation awaiting his former international team-mate.

Jesus has signed a contract with Barcelona that runs until June 2029 and will wear the number nine shirt. The move brings the 29-year-old forward to La Liga after Barcelona considered a number of attacking options.

The Catalan club had made significant efforts to sign Julian Alvarez and also examined other possibilities, including Harry Kane, Lautaro Martinez and Joao Pedro. Barcelona ultimately decided to recruit Jesus from Arsenal.

His arrival follows a difficult season in which he suffered a serious knee injury. After returning in December, Jesus made only 13 appearances in the Premier League. He started two of those matches and scored twice.

The Brazil international now moves to Barcelona with the aim of reviving his career. He has won 64 caps and scored 19 goals for his country, where he has previously played alongside Neymar.

The short message from Neymar offers encouragement from a player who has already experienced life at Barcelona and understands the challenge of establishing himself at the club. Jesus will begin his new chapter wearing the shirt number associated with the team’s central attacking role, while attempting to rebuild his form after an injury-hit campaign.

Neymar’s post came shortly after Barcelona confirmed the transfer from Arsenal on Tuesday. It marked a public show of support between two Brazil internationals whose careers have crossed at club and international level.