The front page of Tuesday’s edition of Sport covers ‘Operation Mendes’, after the agent flew into Barcelona, via private-jet of course, to talk about several transfer situations.
Firstly, Sport cover Ansu Fati, who Mendes had reportedly been confident he could convince to join Wolves. A move there would be an open door to the Premier League, provide him with a regular starting place and be very useful to the agent.
However, it would appear both Barcelona and Mendes have underestimated the strength of feeling that Fati and his family have.
Sport say the 20-year-old will not accept ‘under any circumstances’ playing for Wolves next season.
That should be that, but this is Mendes-country, so there could be twists.
Over to Ruben Neves. There had previously been talk of a straight swap between Wolves and Barcelona for Fati and Neves, but Sport, a Catalan newspaper, say there was an additional €30m set to go to the Camp Nou.
Neves still wants his Barcelona move, and two things are reiterated. Firstly, there’s an agreement for personal terms on a four year contract. Secondly, Xavi isn’t keen on the deal but that doesn’t really matter.
A mess.
There may come a point when Mendes needs to start looking elsewhere for a new Neves destination, if the player is determined to move.
Sport say Xavi would accept the deal if it’s financially good for the club, which may suggest they’d look to move the Portuguese midfielder on in the medium term for a profit. Barcelona only want his arrival if it involves no outlay.
Maybe Neves at some point will take the hint, and realise it may not be the best idea in the world to hold out to join a club where the manager isn’t too keen on you and where the directors see you as a financial opportunity.
