Barcelona is looking for an ideal candidate to replace Sergio Busquets who is undecided over his future.
The Catalan club is prioritising the defensive midfield position for the next season, and Wolves captain Ruben Neves seems like the perfect choice.
In this summer window, Nico left on loan to Valencia for development, and veteran flop midfielder Pjanic left for United Arab Emirates side Sharjah.
The Barcelona captain’s current contract will expire at the end of this season, and he has not confirmed his decision regarding his future.
Barcelona’s Link with Ruben Neves
Barca authorities are closely monitoring Ruben Neves for a long time, as other clubs are also lurking around for his signature.
Though Frankie de Jong ended up staying at the club Barca is doubtful about retaining the Dutch midfielder. Xavi is using the former Ajax midfielder whenever Busquets does not play in the starting XI.
As per Xavi’s demands, the club has kept two options for each position for his new team, and he is a big fan of the Portuguese.
The Blaugrana has already enquired about the midfielder’s availability by contacting the club and the agent this summer. But after spending a huge sum in this dire financial moment, Barcelona had economic differences over the player’s valuation.
The possibility of signing him next season is very high. Neves’s current contract with the English Premier League side will end in 2024. If the player does not sign a new contract with the club, the club will have to let the midfielder go next season by cashing on him.
Neves’s agent is none other than the Portuguese super agent George Mandes. His relationship with Barcelona management will play a key role to get the player’s signature.
The 25-year-old is the heart of Wolverhampton’s midfield and he dictates the game with brilliant passing and great vision. After Bruno Lage’s arrival, he has become more impressive for the club. Many big European clubs are also monitoring the player’s contract situation at the club.
Barca’s Plan-B
But The Catalan giant has kept a plan B if they miss out on the midfielder. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is a much cheaper and younger option.
The Blaugrana captain did praise the midfielder in the past. As he told: “He is a great player, but he is from Real and I don’t know what future plans he has”.
But Sociedad does not prefer to do business with the other Spanish clubs. The club is trying to tie up the midfielder with a new contract to increase the release clause.
Zubimendi’s current contract will end in 2025 with a 60 million euros release clause.
Barca has a good relationship with Wolves and has done significant business with the club for the past few seasons.
