Barcelona’s 21-year-old academy starlet closing in on Portugal loan switch – report

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered an update on the future of Nico Gonzalez, suggesting that the Barcelona youngster is moving closer to joining FC Porto

The Portuguese giants want to reinforce their options in the middle of the park. They have identified Nico as the ideal man to reinforce the position, though there has been a bit of confusion lately, especially with Alan Varela also emerging as an option.

The BOCA Juniors youngster is an attractive option for Porto as they can sign the player on a permanent deal. The player also has a lot of room to grow and potentially turn into a good long-term investment for the club.

However, Varela has a release clause worth €15 million. Porto are only willing to offer €9 million for 90% of the player’s rights. Boca Juniors are ready to get rid of the youngster for a fee of around €12 million.

Porto, though, are favouring a move for Nico as he would be available on a loan deal. Barcelona, too, are preferring the idea of sanctioning a loan deal for Nico.

The club appear to rate the player highly despite his relatively disappointing loan spell at Valencia. They believe Nico can grow and gain more experience with another loan move this summer. As such, they have no intention to sanction a permanent sale for the youngster.

As a result, Nico is moving ever so closer to joining FC Porto on a loan deal. Although the Portuguese giants have not completely ruled out a move for Varela, the Barcelona starlet is certainly leading the race and an agreement could soon be reached.

Barcelona, for their part, want to close the deal as soon as possible. Porto, too, would logically want to complete the deal by next week as they would want the player to join Sergio Conceicao’s team ahead of the new season.