Barcelona set to sign star midfielder but Xavi doesn’t want him

Barcelona hierarchy and Xavi Hernandez are not on the same page regarding the transfer of Ruben Neves, who has agreed to move to Camp Nou this summer.

The Wolves star appeared to say his goodbyes to Wolves fans at Molineux following their final home game of the season against Everton. After six years in Wolverhampton, the Portuguese is looking to move to Catalunya, having agreed to a four-year contract with Barca.

However, it is being suggested that Xavi isn’t very keen on securing his services.

The Spanish tactician, who ended Barcelona’s four-year wait for a La Liga title in his first full campaign at the helm, has regularly insisted he wants club president Joan Laporta to sign a pivot to replace Sergio Busquets. The 34-year-old was a crucial cog in Xavi’s system but decided to part ways at the end of the campaign to pursue a new challenge.

Barcelona set to sign Neves but Xavi doesn’t want him

Neves has shown he’s capable of shielding the backline in the Premier League, but his best football has come higher up the pitch. In fact, the Portugal international has made his name as a long-range specialist by rattling the net from outside the box on a regular basis for Wolves.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via The Sun), Xavi doesn’t have “absolute confidence” in Neves to play the desired role.

Another hurdle in Neves’ quest to move to Barcelona is Ansu Fati’s indecision. The transfer relies on the forward agreeing terms with Wolves. The Spanish giants will not be paying any fee to acquire the star midfielder. He will be involved in a swap deal that will see Fati join Julen Lopetegui’s side. The 20-year-old was on the scoresheet against Celta Vigo over the weekend.

Interestingly, both Neves and Fati are represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes.