FC Barcelona remains focused on building their squad for the next season. With Hansi Flick at the helm and Deco as the sporting director, the club has defined a clear strategy: strengthen the team with players committed to the project and avoid unnecessary investments.
One of the names that has recently been mentioned in the blaugrana offices is that of a footballer who, years ago, passed through La Masia. A talent trained in the academy who once decided to leave the club in search of a more lucrative contract abroad. Now, after establishing himself as one of the great promises of European soccer, he has shown interest in returning to Barcelona.
However, Deco has been blunt: his return is ruled out. At Barça, there is no place for those who turned their back on the club, and the player in question has already started listening to offers from other major European teams.
An Impossible Signing for Barça
The quality of the footballer is not in question. Since leaving the blaugrana youth soccer, he has evolved into a key piece for his current team. His performance has sparked the interest of several giants on the continent, but in Barcelona, they have no intention of making an effort for him.
There are three main reasons to rule out his signing:
- Barça doesn't forget his departure. When he decided to leave, he prioritized the economic aspect over his sporting development. Deco and Laporta don't want to open the door to players who once rejected the club.
- He doesn't fit into Flick's plans. The German coach has already defined his project and doesn't see the need to incorporate him. In the midfield and offensive area, Barça already has young talent like Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, and Lamine Yamal, in addition to future additions that are being considered.
- His price is too high. Although his current team would be willing to negotiate, the operation wouldn't go below 80M euros. A figure that Barça is not willing to assume, especially with the need to strengthen other priority positions.
The Most Likely Destination
Faced with Barça's refusal, other clubs have entered the fray. Several European powerhouses have shown interest in his signing, as he is a versatile footballer with great technical quality and the ability to play in different attacking positions.
In the Premier League, several teams have inquired about his situation. Among them, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich have expressed their interest. However, there is a club that has taken the lead and is willing to make an offer that would meet the economic expectations of his team.
A Coach Obsessed with Him
The coach of this club has expressly requested his signing. He believes that he would fit perfectly into his scheme and that his arrival would give the team a quality boost. Additionally, the club is in the process of rebuilding and needs players with talent and projection to regain their competitiveness.
In recent days, negotiations have intensified, and everything points to the transfer being finalized before the end of the season. His current team has made it clear that they won't sell him for less than 80M euros, but the interested club is willing to bear the cost.
Finally, the team closest to securing his signing is Manchester United. Rúben Amorim, who will take over the 'Red Devils' bench, has marked his signing as an absolute priority.
United is willing to pay every last penny that his team demands and surpass the competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. Xavi Simons will be one of the big names in the market, and barring any surprises, his future will be in the Premier League.