Ruben Neves is as good as a new Barcelona player, according to reports in Spain.
The midfielder turned out yesterday for Wolves at Molineux for what may have been the final time.
The 26-year-old was substituted off by Julen Lopetegui, and received a standing ovation as he was departing.
Neves lapped up the applause and embraced several teammates before raising two hands aloft.
Speculation has followed Neves all season.
Many expected him to leave the club last summer. But he ended up staying and assuming the captaincy from Conor Coady.
But for months now, it has been reported that Barcelona have had interest in Neves.
And SPORT have now reported that Neves is pretty much a Barcelona player now. They claim he is set to sign a four-year deal at the Nou Camp.
Apparently, the player has rejected advances from Arsenal and Manchester United to sign for the Spanish heavyweights.
Neves is very clear that he wants the move.
It is further claimed that Barca will not pay a single penny for Neves. ‘Everything will be done through the exchange of players’.
The aim is apparently now try to get Ansu Fati to Molineux.
But failing that, Wolves like Ez Abde. There is also the possibility of Sergino Dest.
Both Neves and Barcelona are ‘very clear’ this will go forwards.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona would better than him joining Arsenal or Manchester United
This is quite a strong claim from SPORT, especially the part about Barca not paying a single penny for the maestro.
If Neves is to leave though, which is likely, then it’s better for Wolves if he does go to Barca.
This way, there is no chance of him coming back to haunt the club.
Hopefully, Wolves are able to bring in a couple of players from Barca for Neves if the Spanish club won’t be forking out any cash.
Abde would be a very exciting addition, and perhaps either Dest or Nico Gonzalez would be handy too.