Barcelona star’s agent attempting to force Wolves move which would send £26m star other way
Jorge Mendes, the agent of both Ruben Neves and Ansu Fati, is reportedly attempting to sort a move which would see the players swap clubs, along with a cash exchange.
Fati is one of Barcelona’s most exciting young prospects. Indeed, the 20-year-old is already in his fourth season of top-flight football.
That’s seen him play 76 La Liga games out of a total of 108 Barcelona appearances. The forward has directly contributed to 38 goals during those games.
While he seems a promising asset, Barcelona always seem to want more. They are frequently interested in some of Europe’s best players: the signings of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski last season prime examples.
While that’s useful for their side, it tends to mean younger players suffer. And with a lot of star names mooted with moves to Camp Nou this summer, Fati could be one of the stars to make way.
Barca manager Xavi recently stated he had not spoken to Fati regarding his future. That followed reports he was frustrated with his role and could be a ‘forced exit’ this summer.
He’s been linked with a move to Manchester United, and that could be a move with legs if he is to be moved on.
However, Barcelona interest in another Premier League star could see him move elsewhere.
Mendes attempting to force Fati to Wolves
Indeed, the La Liga giants have been linked with Wolves midfielder Neves for a while. If he’s to move to Camp Nou, it seems Fati could be sent the other way.
That’s despite recent reports that Barca would snare Neves for a straight fee of £26million.
Indeed, Spanish outlet Sport is now reporting Mendes’ idea is for a swap deal between Barca and Wolves, for his clients Fati and Neves.
The deal would also apparently see Wolves send €30million (£25.6million approx) to Barca.
Fati doesn’t want to go to Wolves
However, there’s a stumbling block in that Fati does ‘not want to’ make the move. That’s despite the fact Mendes has promised he’ll be ‘in a great Premier League [team]’ in one or two years.
If Barca want to snare Neves, they’ll have to find another avenue to explore.
It also raises the question over what’s going to happen in Fati’s future. The attacker does not have ‘a great offer from a Champions League club in England’.
As such, he might be forced to bide his time at Barcelona.
Whether or not he wants to do that is another question, but he might have little choice if Barca can’t find a club that wants to take him on board.
