Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves dropped a massive hint that his future beyond this summer lay away from Molineux after an emotional farewell to the Wolves fans in their final home game of the season.
The Portuguese midfielder, who joined the midlands outfit in 2017 when they were still in the Championship, has long been linked with a move away from the club, but such a transfer has never materialised with his value deemed too steep to meet by interested parties.
This summer, however, it is different. With one year left to run on his contract, he is thought to be available for around £40m, with Barcelona seemingly in pole position for his signature to replace the departing Sergio Busquets at the base of their midfield.
There have even been reports of a shock swap deal that would see Ansu Fati head to Molineux in exchange for Neves plus £30m from Wolves, with Jorge Mendes the agent for both players and a man who works closely with both clubs.
Thank you Ruben Neves
#wwfc pic.twitter.com/sD2S9vulx9
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) May 20, 2023
Neves himself refused to be drawn on a specific club, but it is clear that he will not be a Wolves player beyond this summer by choice, admitting that he wants to play in the Champions League next season.
“Nothing has happened yet but it’s a hard decision to make because I love it here, me and family feel at home”, he explained.
An emotion Ruben Neves claps the southbank. An end of an era
Thank you Captain
— 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐅𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊™️ (@Wolfpackwwfc) May 20, 2023
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona are ready to thrash out a deal for the 26 year old, but with reports that he has already agreed a long term contract with the club should they wish to pursue a transfer, it is clear that his future lies away from Molineux.
