Wolves stun Man Utd by bidding for Barcelona star in most audacious Mendes move yet
Sensational reports from Spain are suggesting that Wolves have made an offer to sign Ansu Fati from Barcelona, putting one of their own stars on the table in return.
Fati was the successor to Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s number 10, but some injury issues have affected his progress. This season, he has only started 11 matches in La Liga. Therefore, there have been some rumours about the winger leaving the club.
Recently, Fati has been linked with the likes of Man Utd and Tottenham. But in a stunning new revelation, Diario Sport claims Wolves have made a bid to sign the 20-year-old.
According to the outlet from Catalonia, Wolves are in ‘advanced’ negotiations over a deal to sign Fati. They have put €30m on the table to Barcelona, as well as the promise of the services of Ruben Neves.
Indeed, Neves is said to have an ‘agreement’ with Barcelona already. His inclusion in a part-exchange deal would make Wolves’ package worth more than €60m.
The move would be orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, who has helped Wolves sign some incredible players in recent years – including Neves himself. If this one was to materialise, it might well be the most spectacular thing Mendes has ever done for Wolves.
There is a problem, though. Fati’s father has already claimed the forward will be staying at Barcelona, where he remains under contract until 2027 with the option of another two years.
And it appears that Fati is indeed intent on reclaiming a role of prominence for Barcelona, rather than leaving them.
But La Liga’s leaders will be open to cashing in on their academy graduate if a substantial offer comes in. With that in mind, Mendes has put Wolves in contention.
Wolves more serious for Ansu Fati than Man Utd
According to Sport – whose report follows up similar claims from elsewhere in Spain about Wolves’ attempts to sign Fati – the only other club showing some genuine interest in Fati is Man Utd.
However, they are not willing to put together a bid big enough to tempt Barcelona, whereas Wolves are.
Of course, Wolves will not be able to offer Fati any kind of European football next season. In contrast, he is playing at Champions League level with Barcelona.
Therefore, he could easily view the move as a step down, which might make it hard for Wolves to convince him.
But, aware that they are going to find it hard to prevent Neves moving in the opposite direction a year before his contract expires, Julen Lopetegui’s side might be trying their luck regardless.
Neves, for what it’s worth, has played 37 times for Wolves this season, scoring six goals. With the club since 2017, when they were in the Championship, he may now have outgrown them.
His next appearance for Wolves will be his 250th, so he has certainly given them great service. He has identified Barcelona as the appropriate next step for his career, though, which makes him an interesting piece of the puzzle involving Fati.
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