Andre Gomes asks Ernesto Valverde to let him leave Barça in January

Andre Gomes asks Ernesto Valverde to let him leave Barça in January

The midfielder wants regular football before the World Cup

Valverde would like him to stay but can't make promises

Andre Gomes has asked Ernesto Valverde to allow him to leave Barcelona this month. The midfielder is open to a loan or a permanent deal -- he just wants to play more often. 

The relationship between Gomes and Valverde is good and the Portuguese international has integrated into the dressing room. However, his current situation is not helping his aim of going to the World Cup this summer. 

PORTUGAL PROBLEMS 

Gomes has lost weight with his national team. Fernando Santos still calls him up but he does not start him as regularly as he once did. 

The Barça man is aware why that is: he has started just six of his club's 29 official games this season (two in La Liga, one in the Champions League, two in the Copa del Rey and one in the Spanish Super Cup). 

In total, he has played in 17 matches (635 minutes) and has given just one assist. 

TRICKY MARKET 

Barça's recent moves in the market have put Gomes on alert. The arrival of Philippe Coutinho provides direct competition in midfield, while the return of Ousmane Dembele also complicates things, given he did fill in for the Frenchman on occasions. 

Therefore, Gomes is convinced that he needs to leave this month. He has spoken with Valverde. 

Valverde has reassured Gomes. He told him he values his work and he counts on him, especially considering the difficult half of the season is yet to come. 

However, he didn't lie to Gomes and admitted that he cannot guarantee many people a regular starting berth. Just Lionel Messi and a few others. 

Jorge Mendes

Gomes appreciated the confidence shown in him by Valverde and his honesty, but it didn't change his plans. He still hopes to leave Camp Nou this month. 

It's not up to the club to decide whether they make available a player who the coach counts on, even though it's for a secondary role. 

Gomes has certain strategic discrepancies in this respect with his representative Jorge Mendes, and that is why he is listening, also, to other people who can help him leave the Camp Nou this month.

OPTION Juventus

It's not an easy operation to do, given Gomes has a big salary at Barça. In his favour is his versatility and his quality, but it's evident that only certain clubs would be able to afford him. 

In this sense, Juventus have always maintained an interest in Gomes. His characteristics would allow him to adapt to Italian football and it could be a good option. 

Topics with the letter