Barcelona asked to shell out €82 million for Portuguese midfielder – report

Ruben Neves is set to be a man in demand in the upcoming transfer window. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder dropped a hint after the last game of the 2021/22 Premier League season that he could be on the move this summer.

Barcelona have shown a strong interest in signing the 25-year-old, along with Premier League giants Manchester United. The Catalans see the Portuguese international as the ideal cover and long-term replacement for club captain Sergio Busquets.

Signing him, though, could be a difficult task for Barcelona as The Telegraph reports that Wolves have set a price tag of £70 million (€82 million) on their prized asset.

Neves has been with the Midlands outfit since 2017 when he joined from FC Porto, while they were still in the English second division. Over the years, he has flourished into one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the Premier League and is a permanent fixture for Portugal as well.

Barcelona have had their eyes on the 25-year-old midfielder for a long time now. With Sergio Busquets entering the final phase of his career and his contract expiring next year, it is time for the Blaugrana to put a succession plan in place for the club legend.

Neves, to that end, has been identified as one of the main targets. But he still has two years on his contract with Wolves, which gives the Premier League side an edge in negotiations. And with them demanding €82 million for the midfielder, it could complicate matters for Barça.

It is no top secret that the Catalans are going through a bad phase financially and are in no position to make huge investments in the market. So, whether the Blaugrana can meet Wolves’ asking price remains the question.

Alternatively, Barcelona could look to offer some players as part of the deal for Neves, with the Premier League particularly interested in La Masia graduate Nico Gonzalez.

If not Neves, Barça have identified Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as another prospective target, although he will not come cheap either, with the Spaniard’s release clause standing at €60 million.