The club does not stop working because they are already planning for the next season. In this sense, negotiations on the extension of the contract of Alejandro Balde, which are in full swing, are being used to sound the possible signing of Ruben Neves.
Ruben Neves is getting close to signing for Barcelona
Barcelona are not currently considering making additions to the winter transfer market. It could be more economically viable. But the club does not stop working because they are already planning for the next season. In this sense, negotiations on the extension of the contract of Alejandro Balde, which are in full swing, are being used to sound the possible signing of Ruben Neves. The renewal of Balde, whose contract expires in 2024, is in full swing. It will take time because there are still many contractual elements to be debated and because the club has other more immediate issues to deal with, but the club is very optimistic. All the conversations that have taken place give reason to believe that both sides will continue to be united. But besides that, Barcelona think that these negotiations can help them sign Ruben Neves.
Neves – a possible replacement for Busquets
Both players share an agent: Jorge Mendes. Relations between Barcelona, specifically Joan Laporta, and the Portuguese are excellent, he also manages Ansu Fati and Nico, and they use the negotiations for Balde to assess the intentions and ambitions of the international midfielder, who has a deal with Wolves until June 2024. The 25-year-old Portuguese is one of the names the club have targeted as a possible replacement for Sergio Busquets. The Catalan midfielder is out of contract next summer, and the club is waiting to find out what his plans are. The idea is that he will communicate his decision to Xavi and Joan Laporta between this week and next.
Ruben Neves is one of the options Barcelona have on the table. The executives and the board of directors are looking at signing him, but the coach will make the final decision. The coach wants to take time to sign Busquets’ successor. Martin Zubimendi is another one of the names being considered by the coach. In fact, the former player prefers the option of the Real Sociedad player, with him under a deal until June 2027. Still, the Basque is valued at 60 million euros, and Ruben Neves would have had a more affordable price. The Portuguese, moreover, has already publicly expressed a desire to play at the Camp Nou.
At the moment, however, something has yet to be decided. All options are possible. There is no need to rush because, in addition, there are those in the club who claim that Frenkie de Jong is an exact replacement for Busquets.