Barcelona's transfer plan with the Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves
Barça may move for the Portugal international in 2023 instead of now
Ruben Neves was one of the names on the table when Barcelona planned for the 2022-23 season. The Portugal midfielder, 25, is an option top replace Sergio Busquets in the long-term.
The financial situation and the need to strengthen elsewhere, though, have slightly modified Barça's plans. The Wolverhampton Wanderers player is still of interest, but a deal would be for next summer, not this one.
Neves is also open to a move to Camp Nou from the Premier League side. However, Wolves' price tag is currently not a valuation Barça will be able to go near as they prioritise moves for Robert Lewandowski and defenders.
The operation for Neves, therefore, has been postponed until 2023, when he will move into the final year of his contract. The price would be around €40 million.
One of the reasons behind this decision is that Xavi Hernandez and his coaching staff consider that Busquets can still perform at the highest level and continue to be part of the team's spine.
The midfielder from Badia does not need an immediate replacement. It would be good for him to have more competition, obviously, but the club is going through a situation in which they must pick their priorities.
