Barcelona tell Mendes the signing of Rúben Neves is almost ruled out

Change of plans at Barcelona. The Blaugrana have informed agent Jorge Mendes that the signing of Rúben Neves has been put on hold, if not almost ruled out. The midfielder had been on the cards for months, but the impossibility of a swap deal with Wolves has put his arrival on ice. And it is likely that he will not come because Xavi Hernandez would only open the door for him if it was strictly necessary.

In meetings with Mendes, Barça's future sporting director, Deco, and the director of football, Mateu Alemany, explained that Neves was attractive as long as the club did not pay any money. Mendes, at the time, proposed a swap deal with Ansu Fati in which Wolves would also pay around €30 million.

The refusal of the academy graduate to play for Wolves has scuppered that option, though, and Barça aren ot convinced by investing €30m in Neves, whose contract in England runs until 2024. They are looking at other options, with Kimmich ruled out and Zubimendi almost impossible. Mendes is not giving up on Neves but he knows it is very difficult for him to sign. The Portuguese midfielder had already said goodbye to Wolves and it remains to be seen if a solution can be found.

Ansu's refusal to go to Wolves is clear, but the Catalan club want him to leave and Mendes has taken note. He is clear that the player wants to stay at Barça, but he will look for new offers that are good for all parties. He is clear that Ansu must play more minutes and feel the protagonist. There is a club in Spain that is thinking about it and in the Premier League they are looking for top-level teams.

Barça need Ansu to be transferred for a good amount of money to be able to sign players. The canterano still has a market.