Barcelona midfielder close to reaching an agreement with European heavyweights

Barcelona’s pre-season tour to the United States of America is underway. The Catalans have already landed in the North American country, with their first match of the tour scheduled for later this week.

One of the most notable exclusions from Xavi Hernandez’s squad for the tour was Nico Gonzalez. The La Masia midfielder hoped to win a spot under the manager after his loan spell at Valencia, but it appears that his future is still far from the Catalan capital.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the player had a meeting with Xavi Hernandez last week where the manager conveyed to him that he did not count on him as a natural pivot but as an interior midfielder.

While the role fits well with his style, Nico would find it difficult to see minutes at Barcelona given the addition of Ilkay Gundogan to the already unforgiving competition.

The parties thus agreed that a departure would be the best way forward. MD adds that Porto are inching very close to completing the 21-year-old’s signing on loan, with an agreement with the player on the horizon, although there are still details to be finalised.

The Portuguese club wish to include a purchase option on the deal given the youngster’s talent. Barcelona, however, are equally firm on their desire to keep control over his future and will not settle unless a repurchase clause is added.

Nico is intrigued by the challenge of playing at Porto, especially given that he will get Champions League football as part of the deal. With Jorge Mendes bearing close ties with the Portuguese club, things are expected to proceed swiftly.

Girona and Real Betis are the other clubs to have shown interest in the young midfielder. And reports last night suggested that the interest from Spain might have led to the Porto move stalling.

But the race now appears to be relatively straightforward. The coming days will be critical in deciding Nico’s next destination, especially given that he is not part of the tour to the US.