Barcelona have reportedly now turned their attention Joao Palhinha, after reports the Ruben Neves deal has become ‘paralysed’.
Barca have had a strong interest in Neves that stretches back at least a year.
The Spanish giants were going to swoop for Neves last summer and the midfielder even moved out his belongings. in anticipation of the move. But it fell through, and Neves ended up staying.
Barca have remained interested and this summer have been strongly linked.
But they cannot offer straight cash, and have been banking on Jorge Mendes facilitating a swap deal involving Ansu Fati.
But Fati doesn’t want the move to Wolves – leaving Neves somewhat in limbo.
And now, Barcelona have apparently sounded out another target.
Barcelona turn attention to Fulham star and former Wolves target Joao Palhinha
According to SPORT, Barcelona are now looking at a possible move for Palhinha.
Palhinha joined Fulham last summer, after Wolves declined the opportunity to sign him.
New sporting director Deco has been working intensely over the past few days. And it appears he has identified Palhinha as a possible target. Florentino Luis of Benfica is also mentioned.
Neither would be an easy signing to make. Because Barca’s economic struggles remain.
There is then some talk about Fulham’s asking price. Apparently, they would want at least £43 million. That is around the same as how much Wolves wanted for Neves.
Perhaps crucially, it is mentioned that Fulham would be open to talking about player exchanges.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona looking deader by the day, as Catalan giants target his international teammate Joao Palhinha
So SPORT now believe Barca are looking at two other players for their midfielder.
And this latest report casts further doubt on Neves joining Barcelona.
It is interesting because Palhinha – an international teammate of Neves – would arguably be even more expensive than Neves since he has far longer on his contract Fulham than Neves does at Wolves.
So it will again be a difficult deal for them to pull off.
But the suggestion from SPORT is that Deco really believes Palhinha is a good fit for Barca.
Maybe they plan to offer the Cottagers Fati, like they did with Wolves.