Barcelona identify Wolves’ Ruben Neves as Busquets replacement – Reports
FC Barcelona are eyeing a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star midfielder Ruben Neves as Sergio Busquets’ long-term replacement, as per latest reports from Sport.
The rumour suggests he’s a priority target ahead of next season. Neves has seemingly been reluctant to extend his stay at the Molineux, causing a disruption in the market with multiple suitors lurking.
As such, Barcelona will look to move in when he’ll have one year left on his contract. Neves’ value will understandably decrease as well, implying there’ll be a shortage of admirers.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have expressed their interest in the past, but the prospect of joining them was rejected by the player himself. It’s understood Arsenal are the latest club to keep tabs on Neves, having already chased a number 6 in Douglas Luiz over the summer.
The 25-year-old is a hallmark of consistency in the Wolves midfield, having amassed a staggering 220 appearances in just over five seasons at the club. His first-ever term in England resulted in promotion to the Premier League.
An avid tackler, sniper, play maker and someone who has outstanding knowledge of the game, Neves’ possibility of joining Barcelona would surprise few. Prior to the onset of his prime years, it makes sense for him to take the next big step in his career.
Speaking earlier on a possible contract renewal, Wolves coach Bruno Lage disclosed that the club is working together with Neves. “We’re working on that. One thing for the fans, in the last game I was in the press conference, but it was so clear for me, what the fans were singing to keep Ruben. We are doing everything that we have in our hands to keep Ruben,” he said.
Lage continued “He’s a great professional and he wants to learn and improve. Every challenge I give to him, we talk through the season, he works for that. I feel proud for him for what he did in the last year and I’m so happy that he stays with us.”
Meanwhile, Busquets, Barcelona’s midfield metronome for years, isn’t getting any younger at 34 years old.
The Blaugrana have deployed Frenkie De Jong at the base of the midfield at times, but he’s more of a mobile man in the middle, with a lot more to offer in the final third.
With clashes against Celta Vigo and Champions league match against Inter on the horizon, Barcelona will have to turn their attention to the task at hand. Nevertheless, Neves is likely to remain on the club’s radar ahead of the next transfer window.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Bex Walton. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.