Barcelona president reaches verbal agreement with super-agent for Wolves ace

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reached an agreement with super-agent Jorge Mendes for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Ruben Neves, according to Mundo Deportivo.

However, the transfer will only go through if Mendes manages to facilitate a transfer for Ansu Fati for a minimum of €30 million more than Neves’ transfer fee.

However, Fati does not want to leave Barcelona, and Xavi is also not in favour of his transfer this summer window.

Barcelona are looking to sign a defensive midfielder in the summer now that Sergio Busquets’ has announced his departure from the club. While Neves is not their priority, Laporta insists on the transfer against Xavi’s wishes.

Xavi wants Martin Zubimendi to take over the role, but his transfer is very complicated due to his release clause that sits at €60 million. The Real Sociedad midfielder has recently renewed his contract as well, and the club will not accept anything less than the buy-out fees for him.

In this case, Sofyan Amrabat becomes the second-choice for the role. Barcelona tried to sign the Fiorentina midfielder on loan in the winter, with an option to buy for €40 million, but the Serie A side refused to sell him at the time.

The Moroccan is still ‘crazy’ about signing for Barcelona, but recent reports have stated that contacts have cooled down as of late. Further, like any other moves the Catalans want to make in the summer, his transfer will depend on their financial situation.

This brings us to Neves, who is set to become a free agent in 2024, and should be available at a discounted price this summer. His agent, Mendes, also shares a good relationship with Laporta, which should lubricate the transfer.