Last month, Alex Collado informed Xavi Hernandez of his desire to leave Barcelona, concerned about a lack of first-team opportunities following a flurry of high-profile arrivals at the La Liga giants. The Camp Nou boss – if he hasn’t already – may soon be having similar discussions with one Nico Gonzalez.
The stylish La Masia graduate made 27 league appearances during an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2021/22. Barca’s well-documented financial problems initially appeared to have left the path free for Nico to secure first-team role. Not just in the present for in the future too.
Now, that very same path appears full of potholes, while a traffic jam longer longer New York in rush hour is forming in front of Barcelona’s so-called ‘new Sergio Busquets’.
Nico Gonzalez out, Bernardo Silva in at Barcelona
Busquets, the original, is still a key part of Xavi’s plans. But now the 2010 World Cup winner has Franck Kessie at his disposal too these days. Plus Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and the returning Miralem Pjanic, a player Xavi has spent much of pre-season praising.
According to AS, the potential arrival of Bernardo Silva from Manchester City could be the final straw as far as Nico is concerned. The versatile 20-year-old, who can play as a number six or further forward as an ‘eight’, is already far further down the pecking order than he was 12 months ago. Bernardo’s arrival would see Nico take another step down the ladder.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Barcelona are looking to bring in Man City’s Portuguese playmaker before the month is out. And while Pep Guardiola would be loathe to see such a trusted lieutenant leave the Etihad battlefield, it is well-documented that City do not tend to keep wantaway players against their will.
“I’ve always said that I’m happy here, but I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Bernardo tells ESPN.
“My relationship with the club is very honest. I’ve been open with them and they know what I want. If I stay, I’m very happy, and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens.”
Hardly the sort of comments that will calm City fears.
Manchester City’s loss could be Wolves’ gain
According to the Daily Mail, Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently in talks with Nico Gonzalez, even if Valencia feels like a more likely destination as things stand.
With Joao Moutinho out, Wolves boss Bruno Lage had just two first-team midfielders during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. Nico would not only be an intriguing addition, but a necessary one too.
“Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta settled in the first team at 23 or 24 years old. Nico is only 19 (and he is already a regular),” Fran Artiga, a coach at the Barcelona’s feted La Masia academy, tells Goal.
“Very intelligent, and his physique is perfect. With him, we have the chance to build a spectacular footballer.”
That ‘chance’ could fall to Wolves instead, however, with Bernardo Silva’s potential arrival in Catalonia hammering another nail in Nico’s Camp Nou coffin.
A talented, homegrown academy graduate with the world at his feet replaced by a household name, arriving for a huge fee and even bigger wages. Mes Que Un Club indeed.
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