Ruben Neves’ proposed move to Barcleona has hit the rocks, with the Spanish club currently unable to finance a deal for the Wolves captain.
The 26-year-old has been waiting to get the green light to make a move to the Camp Nou.
Joining the Catalan giants is thought to be his dream move.
It has even been claimed that Neves moved out his things last summer in anticipation of a move, but it fell through.
Barca are back in for Neves this summer, but it is now starting to looking like the move won’t happen.
Barcelona have been banking on Ansu Fati saying yes to a move to Wolves. But it’s just not something he wants.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona deal is ‘paralysed’
SPORT, who have been on this transfer story for months, bring an update today about the situation.
Apparently, Barca have now told agent Jorge Mendes that their move for Neves is ‘paralysed, if not almost ruled out’.
It is stated that the impossibility of making an exchange (Fati and Neves) has frozen the operation.
Mendes has previously proposed a swap deal, with Wolves also paying Barcelona around £26 million.
Fati’s stance of not wanting to join Wolves has ‘ruined’ this option.
It is stated that Barcelona are now looking at other options. They have also been linked with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. He’s said to be the preferred option of Xavi. But that is another difficult deal for them to do due to their financial situation.
Potentially the only way Neves to Barca now comes to fruition, is if Barca sell Fati to another club for a huge fee and they then make a cash bid for Neves.
Ruben Neves to Barcelona was probably always going to be very complicated
So it looks like Neves heading to Barcelona is now unlikely. Or at least, it may not be happening any time soon.
And that will be frustrating for Wolves, who need player sales this summer to offset spending.
Neves is the most saleable asset they have, and it’s already been reported the club have no intention of letting Neves walk for free in 2024.
It is a difficult situation because Barca is the preferred destination for Neves, who has given so much for Wolves.
Wolves will want to get him that move. But the club need straight cash that Barca seem to not have.