Ruben Neves to Barcelona is practically a done deal, according to journalist Veronica Brunati.
The midfielder is currently on duty at the World Cup with Portugal, but that is not stopping speculation about him moving on from Wolves.
Neves has been in fine fettle this season, despite the collective struggles of the team.
He has been man of the match in most of Wanderers’ games so far this season, and the team would be cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table without him.
Leading up to the January transfer window, there have been a string of reports about Barcelona’s long-standing interest in him.
But their president Joan Laporta recently stated that Barca do not have the means to sign players in the next window.
When those comments were made, it felt like good news for Wolves regarding Neves.
And Julen Lopetegui has talked up his new captain, suggesting he will be the team’s ‘main actor’ in the second half of the season.
But now, Brunati claims on Twitter that Barcelona have practically closed a deal to sign Neves. Her exact words are: “From a very good Portuguese source: #FCBarcelona has practically closed Rubén Neves.”
Following the comments by Laporta, one can only assume that the move will happen next summer, assuming Brunati’s source is reliable.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona feels very inevitable, as journalist claims a deal is practically done
Neves won’t be going anywhere in January, but it does feel very likely now that he will be leaving next summer.
And it feels like his next destination will be Barcelona, with reports having been constant since the end of the last transfer window.
Wolves fans will not begrudge him a move to the Camp Nou.
He has been an amazing servant for the club, which he loves, and he is respected by everyone at Molineux. He’s also a huge example to the younger players, with Hugo Bueno recently describing him as ‘incredible’.
But it would be a major surprise if he remained at the club beyond the next summer window.
A player of his calibre needs to be playing at the highest level.
Hopefully, Wolves officials are able to bring in an appropriate fee for the 25-year-old.