Barcelona's priority is none other than to sign a defensive midfielder in the face of the more than likely departure of Sergio Busquets. Ruben Neves is one of the favourites, but there is an internal debate at the club, as the board is in favour of his signing, while the sporting management have other preferences.
Barcelona know that they have to secure a signing in the winter transfer window or, failing that, in the summer transfer window. And this would be none other than that of a defensive midfielder, as Sergio Busquets finishes his contract on 30th June and seems to be convinced that he wants to leave.
That's why the club have started the search for a suitable replacement for the 2010 World Cup winner at South Africa 2010. One of them is Ruben Neves, whose contract expires in 2024 and whose price could drop in the next transfer window.
However, 'Marca' revealed that there is an internal debate within Barca about the Portuguese. Joan Laporta is in favour of signing him, as he has a great relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and he knows the economic limits of the club.
On the other hand, the aforementioned source assured that the sporting management with Xavi Hernandez at the head is in favour of other players such as Martin Zubimendi or even Kante. The problem for the Spaniard is that he recently renewed his contract with Real Sociedad and his clause is 60 million.
The Egara coach sees that it will not be easy to sign this player due to the club's problems with the 'Financial Fair Play'. If he cannot come, the coach would try to convince Busquets to stay for another season, although his intention is to leave for the United States.