Wolves’ Ruben Neves is coveted by Barcelona despite Xavi's raised concerns

Posted : 12 May 2023

Despite the fact that coach Xavi Hernandez prefers alternative targets to the Wolves midfielder, sources have told reporters that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is moving through with a deal to sign Ruben Neves.

Following Sergio Busquets' admission that he would quit the Catalan club when his contract ends in the summer, Neves, 26, has once again been a potential option for Barca. Neves was of interest to Barca last summer.

At Camp Nou, there is controversy about the decision though. Although Xavi is eager to sign the Portugal international, Laporta, who has a great connection with Neves' agent Jorge Mendes, is not sure he will fit with his kind of play.

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is Xavi's top pick, but a trade has been all but ruled out since the club wants an offer of €70 million. Last summer, Zubimendi was also planned for if Frenkie de Jong signed Manchester United.

Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina, who excelled for Morocco at the World Cup, was reportedly close to joining Barca in January and the Catalan club may make another approach for him in the summer, according to reports.

Amrabat, 26, has a contract that expires with Fiorentina in 2024. However, reports claim that despite the player's desire to sign with Barca, the LaLiga leaders' interest has dwindled recently. Laporta will thus keep negotiating a deal for Neves, whose contract is entering its last year, as well.

Mendes, who represents a few Barca players and assisted them in obtaining Adama Traore on loan from Wolves in January of last year, might be crucial in lowering the cost of any transfers as Barca struggles to comply with the financial fair play rules of the Spanish league.

Due to exceeding their expenditure cap, they are unable to register the new contracts provided to Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and other individuals. However, after presenting a viability plan for the next two years to LaLiga outlining cuts and income increases, vice president Eduard Romeu stated that the club is confident in their capacity to overcome such obstacles.

"It is a two year plan and it is very conservative," Romeu told reporters on Friday.

"I am sure it will be approved. On May 19, LaLiga's financial committee will meet and I am certain we will have a positive response.

"The first thing will then be to register the [new contracts] and then it will be like the metro. For players to come in, others will have to leave, all the while working with the coaching staff's needs."

Wolves’ Ruben Neves is coveted by Barcelona despite Xavi's raised concerns

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