Wolves' Gonçalo Guedes 'escapes' Barça as Benfica return confirmed

Wolves' Gonçalo Guedes 'escapes' Barça as Benfica return confirmed

| WOLVERHAMPTON

The winger has gone back to Portugal for the second half of the season

One of the options that Barcelona were contemplating to strengthen their squad in January has moved elsewhere. Memphis Depay's move to Atlético Madrid opens the door for a new forward to arrive and, this week, the option of Gonçalo Guedes had gained weight, but he has now signed for another club.

The Portugal and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger leaves the Premier League to return to his native country, joining Benfica. He does so on loan until June 30 and without a purchase option. Therefore, he returns to the club where he was developed and went on to play 68 games with the first team between 2014 and 2017.

“It wouldn't be a tragedy if nobody came instead of Memphis. He asked me to leave because it was an opportunity for him," Barça coach Xavi Hernández said at a press conference after beating Ceuta 5-0 in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

There are 11 days left until the transfer window closes and Barça must decide whether or not to bet on someone to replace the Dutchman. On the table, there is also the option of adapting the contracts of Iñaki Peña, Balde, Araujo and Gavi -- possibly not all of them -- with the 'fair play' generated by the striker's departure.