Wolves want Barcelona midfielder in Neves deal

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By Martin Graham | 29th May 2022

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez one of their targets and could enter into a deal with the Catalan club for one of their midfielders.

Barcelona are interested in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves but the price tag attached to the Portuguese by the Premier League club is beyond Barcelona’s financial capabilities at the moment. But the latest report from Spanish outlet SPORT could offer the Catalans a way to get one of their main targets for the summer.

Nico Gonzalez is one of the untouchables at Barcelona following a pronouncement from club president Joan Laporta early in the year. However, the club’s financial status, according to reports, has made them contemplate putting Nio on the market for a loan or a transfer. Nico, while important to the club, is not exactly considered starter material by manager Xavi Hernandez which has influenced the new line of thought at the club concerning his future.

Neves, on the other hand, is a target for the Catalan giants because of the uncertain future of Frenkie De Jong at the club. The Dutch midfielder is a target for Manchester United who are pushing with everything they have to take the 24-year-old to Old Trafford to reunite him with former manager Erik ten Hag.

De Jong’s departure is also being considered because he is one of the more expensive players in Barcelona and his value is still high enough to provide the club with some much-needed funds. Neves’ arrival, which could cost Barcelona as much as €50 million, could now be made smoother with the Premier League side’s interest in Nico Gonzalez.

SPORT also claims that alongside Nico, Ricard ‘Riqui’ Puig and Oscar Mingueza are also of interest to Wolves and they, alongside Nico, could enter the operation for Neves.

Neves is also understood to prefer a move to Spain to play for Barcelona over the other clubs interested in him, including Manchester United, who are also looking to snap up De Jong from Barcelona. The Red Devils are ready to match Wolves’ €50 million valuation for Neves as well, which could prove problematic for Barcelona as they negotiate the deal.

Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with Barcelona, is reportedly working hard on finding a formula that can be satisfactory for both teams. The quickest route, however, remains Nico Gonzalez, but it remains to be seen if the Catalan club will allow their prized La Masia graduate to enter the operation for Neves. It remains to be seen if an arrangement can be worked out.