"If it was my last game here, I really enjoyed it” - Barcelona and Manchester United linked star admits he wants to play in the Champions League
Barcelona and Manchester United target Ruben Neves could have played his last game for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his performance was world-class. Like an orchestra conductor, the 26-year-old Portuguese virtuoso orchestrated the Wolves' game from the centre of the pitch.
However, it was a bittersweet game for the club faithful, who may have watched him in their colours for the last time.
Neves' trajectory from a promising player for his hometown club Porto to a stalwart in the Midlands has been nothing short of extraordinary. His name is now an indelible part of the Wolves' illustrious legacy. As the curtain draws on his sixth season with the club, whispers of a potential departure are beginning to fill the air.
This could very well be the summer that Neves realizes his long-held dream of wearing Barcelona's colours, especially as the iconic Sergio Busquets prepares to leave Camp Nou. In the Premier League, Manchester United are showing serious interest in his services and may fight off Barca to sign him.
Speaking after the game against Everton, Neves was candid about the future he wanted (via Football Daily):
“Let’s see what’s going to happen. I always say the same thing that I always love to be here but I want to play Champions League football. If it was my last game here, I really enjoyed it.”
However, while Neves may be eager to join Barcelona, the reality is that his place in the Catalan club's pecking order is not yet certain. Noted transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano suggests that Blaugrana manager Xavi does not consider Neves a top priority. The club's decision-makers do hold Neves in high regard, but they must consider their financial health before sealing a deal.
It seems Neves is willing to ward off the overtures from other potential suitors, most notably Manchester United, and wait patiently for the Catalan giants to make their move.
Barcelona prodigy Gavi rebuffs rumors about move to Manchester United
In the heart of Barcelona's midfield, Gavi remains a calm presence, even as whispers of a move to Manchester United circulate in football circles. The 18-year-old Spanish international is poised for free agency at the season's end due to La Liga's non-registration of his new contract signed last September. However, Gavi's devotion to the Blaugrana remains unwavering.
Speaking to Movistar, the youthful sensation expressed his serenity and love for his current club (via Metro):
"I want all of you to be calm on my future… I’m very calm. Since I was little, I’ve wanted to stay at Barca. It’s my dream club, I always say it. Don’t worry, let everyone be calm."
Gavi's ascent to prominence has been meteoric. After progressing through the revered La Masia academy, he exploded onto the scene last season. He quickly established himself as a key player within the first-team setup of the La Liga giants.
This season, Xavi has reaffirmed his faith in Gavi, positioning the youngster in the starting lineup for most of the season's fixtures. Under Xavi's guidance and Gavi's relentless drive, Barca have secured the league title, cementing the youngster's status as an invaluable part of the Blaugrana machinery.