Premier League midfielder edging closer to Barcelona, personal terms already agreed – report

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves is getting closer and closer to signing for FC Barcelona, according to a report from SPORT. This comes after the Portuguese ace appeared to say goodbye to fans at the Molineux after Wolves’ game against Everton.

The Premier League club played their final home match of the season today against Everton and Neves was withdrawn by manager Julen Lopetegui late in the game.

And the 26-year-old seemed to wave goodbye to the fans at the stadium while the supporters gave him an ovation in what appeared to be a proper farewell. The midfielder also hugged all his teammates before walking off the pitch.

After the match was over, Neves once again walked towards the fans with his family and soaked in the adulation from the supporters as he clapped and waved at them, hinting at an exit in the summer.

And, as per the report, if nothing goes wrong, Neves could end up joining Barcelona in the summer.

It has been reported by multiple sources that the Blaugrana coaching staff are not totally convinced about the former FC Porto ace.

However, his agent Jorge Mendes has been pushing for the deal, and club president Joan Laporta is understood to be tempted by the operation.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Neves has reached an agreement with Barcelona over personal terms on a long-term deal and is waiting for a move from the La Liga champions.

But, it remains to be seen how the operation will go ahead. The report from SPORT states that Mendes is pushing for a potential player-exchange deal that would see another of his client, Ansu Fati, move to the Molineux.

It has been previously reported that the Blaugrana would be open to accepting Neves plus €30 million in exchange for Fati.

Speaking after the game, Neves said (h/t FCB World): “I want to be here, but I also don’t hide that I want to play in the Champions League. It’s a tough decision, my family and I would love to stay here but in football, you have to go for your goals.

“Nothing happened yet, if this is my last game I enjoyed and am grateful for the six seasons I spent here.”

Neves’ potential arrival could see Franck Kessie leave in the summer, given the competition in midfield. Also, if he does join, it is unlikely to affect Barcelona’s pursuit of a pivot midfielder to replace captain Sergio Busquets.