Transfer Centre

Wolverhampton Wanderers 'set asking price for Barcelona-linked Ruben Neves'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 May 2023

Wolves 'set asking price for Barcelona-linked Neves'

Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly reach a decision over an asking price for Ruben Neves, who has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly set a €50m (£43.4m) asking price for Ruben Neves.

Earlier this month, Wolves secured their Premier League status for another season with three matches remaining, despite sitting at the bottom of the table in December.

Julen Lopetegui was allowed to spend in the region of £75m during the January transfer window, and the Spaniard has expressed a desire for Wolves to continue to sign new players in the summer.

However, it is widely felt that the West Midlands outfit will have to either make one significant sale or oversee a number of departures to coincide with any arrivals.

While the sale of Matheus Nunes after just one season is a possibility, so is an exit for Neves who has just over a year remaining on his contract.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves on May 13, 2023 © Reuters

The Portugal international has already established himself as a legendary figure at Wolves, yet it is an open secret that he would like to take on a new challenge if an opportunity arises.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old, despite widespread claims that the player is not a priority for head coach Xavi.

According to The Telegraph, the newly-crowned La Liga champions have been told that it will take a €50m offer to tempt Wolves into a sale.

The report suggests that Wolves would prefer to do business with the Catalan giants rather than allow Neves to link up with another Premier League club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on May 6, 2023. © Reuters

Manager Julen Lopetegui is said to be open to allowing Neves moving elsewhere, providing that Wolves are not tempted to accept a cut-price fee for his signature.

There has been talk of Neves being included in a player-plus-cash deal for Ansu Fati, but such a proposal has been ruled out by the winger's camp.

Given the mutual respect between the relevant parties, Wolves are hopeful that Neves will agree to at least a one-year contract extension if a notable offer does not arrive before the end of August.

Arsenal and Manchester United have been tipped as potential destinations in the past, yet it seems that both the Gunners and Red Devils are now focused on other targets.