Super agent Jorge Mendes in Barcelona to reportedly finalise transfer deal
What's the story?
Super agent Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona to finalise the transfer of Andre Gomes according to multiple reports in Spain. While it was initially thought that Angel Di Maria would also be included in the negotiations, Mendes put end to such speculation when asked by reporters at Barcelona's El Prat airport about Di Maria.
"What you're publishing [about Di Maria] is not true." Mendes said.
Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez said that he was hopeful of announcing another signing before the end of the transfer window and while Di Maria has been heavily linked, according to Mundo Deportivo (via ESPN), talks revolved around Andre Gomes who is edging closer to a move to Serie A side Juventus.
In case you didn't know...
Barcelona have been linked with a lot of transfer activity in the upcoming 4 days of the transfer window. While high profile arrivals of Coutinho and Di Maria are expected, the Blaugrana also want to get rid of some players like Rafinha, Andre Gomes and Arda Turan.
Andre Gomes was reportedly on Manchester United's radar but Juventus are now favorites to complete a one-year loan deal with an option to make it permanent for the Portuguese midfielder.
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The heart of the matter
It is safe to say that Barcelona have not had the best of transfer windows, but things seem to be looking up for the Catalan giants especially after confirming the signing of French sensation Ousmane Dembele.
With the Barcelona board working furiously to complete other high profile deals, a lot of departures are also expected and Mendes who is the agent of both Gomes and Arda Turan will be looking to get the best deals for his clients.
After the arrival of Paulinho, the Catalan giants are looking to sell some midfielders and Robert Fernandez confirmed the same while speaking to reporters:
"Since day one we have been in contact with Ernesto [Valverde]," he said. "We've been talking a lot about players we'd like to sign, but also about players heading out of the club and I think by Wednesday we should be able to be clear on [that] matter."
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Gomes has the potential to become a world class midfielder.
Author's take
Andre Gomes might have struggled at Barcelona last season, but there is no denying the fact that he has the potential to become a world class star in the future. The meeting of Jorge Mendes with the Barcelona board certainly points to the fact that the future of Gomes is being considered, and Juventus might just be the perfect place to reinvigorate the Portuguese star's career.
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