Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in securing the services of Barcelona’s 20-year-old midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
What’s the word?
That is according to Sport, via Sport Witness, who claimed that there is an “internal debate” over the Spanish starlet’s future at Camp Nou.
As per the report, it is claimed that his agent Jorge Mendes has offers for both a loan move and a permanent transfer this year.
It is said that Barcelona are currently deliberating the role that Nico will play for next year, particularly considering the arrival of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, who signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Blaugrana back in March.
Mendes has allegedly caused this ‘debate’ over Gonzalez’s future at the club after making it clear that he has offers for his client.
Given their links to the super-agent, Wolves are inevitably noted as a potential destination for the starlet and are said to be ‘very interested’ in him.
Should Wolves sign Nico Gonzalez?
Lage will love him
With Mendes reportedly believing that Gonzalez could be a ‘fundamental piece’ at another club, he has forced Barcelona to come to a decision; and with the midfield options that their manager Xavi will have in the squad next season, it may spell the end for the 20-year-old at Camp Nou.
With Barcelona said to be considering a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, either a swap deal or a one-year loan along the way would make sense for both sides.
One thing is for sure, though – a move for the La Masia graduate would be a major coup for the Old Gold. Amid the uncertainty around Joao Moutinho’s future at the club, Gonzalez – who has been dubbed a “spectacular” talent by Cesc Fabregas – could come in and perform as a younger and more versatile upgrade on the Portuguese veteran.
Whilst he outperforms Moutinho in almost all defensive and offensive metrics, it’s his ability to press which could majorly benefit Wolves. His match average of 23.36 pressures, with 13.25 of those occurring in the attacking third, would bolster the Old Gold in an area where they have struggled this season, having only won back possession in the attacking third at a meagre average of 4.2 times per 90.
It’s a return which is evident of the lack of energy and mobility in the Wolves engine room and sees them rank a lowly 14th in the Premier League for that metric.
With an average of 54.53 carries per game and median of 7.63 progressive carries, he would probably shine in Lage’s newly-tweaked 3-5-2 counter-attacking setup, so the manager and Mendes should act fast to try and entice Gonzalez to Molineux.
In other news: Wolves now eye move for “all-round” £25.7m-rated gem, he’s better than Neves
