Wolves could be offered the chance to bring Segino Dest, Abde Ezzalzouli or Nico Gonzalez to the Premier League as Ruben Neves closes in on a move to La Liga champions Barcelona.
So say Diario Sport; backing up claims from ESPN that progress is being made regarding a deal which would see Ruben Neves swap Molineux for the Camp Nou as he enters the final 12 months of his Old Gold contract.
Sport go one step further. They say that Neves has already agreed a four-year deal at a Barcelona side who claimed their first La Liga title since 2019 with a win at Catalan neighbours Espanyol on Sunday night.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez would prefer Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. But the Spaniard’s £52 million price-tag means Neves – available for a fraction of that fee due to his contract situation – has emerged as the number one pick for Barca president Joan Laporta. Especially with the club’s financial muscle limited by those well-publicised FFP concerns.
Is Ruben Neves leaving Wolves for Barcelona?
It remains to be seen how much Barcelona would pay for Neves.
Sport believe that the Blaugrana may opt to send a player or two to Molineux in exchange. Though Ansu Fati – the injury-hit La Masia graduate who inherited Lionel Messi’s shirt – is determined to stay in red-and-blue.
Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese super-agent who has excellent connections at both Wolves and Barcelona, is reportedly considering alternative options. Sport believe that Dest, Abde and Nico may now be offered to a Wolves side who have staved off relegation fears since appointing former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui.
Dest, the USA international on loan at AC Milan, may be tempting for a Wolves side who’s current right-back – Nelson Semedo – has struggled for consistency during his time in England. Abde, meanwhile, impressed during Morocco’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
A skilful left-winger, he’s scored four times during a spell at Osasuna.
Nico Gonzalez is also out on loan; joining relegation-threatened Valencia last summer. A stylish, deep-lying playmaker, Nico may be the most attractive option for Wolves. He could be a readymade replacement for Neves, and was reportedly on Wolves’ radar a year ago too.
“He’ll be better than Sergio (Busquets),” former Barcelona youth boss Xavi Vilajoana once said of Nico.
“He (Nico) is technically very gifted,” coach Fran Artiga told Goal. “Very intelligent, and his physique is perfect. With him, we have the chance to build a spectacular footballer.”
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