Liverpool hit a problem as they initiated talks about Rúben Neves, according to reports. The Reds are certainly fans of the midfielder.
This comes from Sport. They claim that Liverpool – along with Manchester United – initiated talks for Rúben Neves this summer. The midfielder has two more years left with Wolves, suggesting he could leave for a cut-price fee in 2023.
But the Reds hit a problem. Barcelona also want Neves and that has turned his head, with the player rejecting talks in order to wait for the Catalonians.
Barcelona’s financial issues should be far easier to handle next year, for one. That means Neves could command the wages he wants, while the reduced fee would appeal to them.
Liverpool, it seems, may miss out here.
Liverpool started Rúben Neves talks
Neves would be a fantastic signing – a talented 25-year-old with bags of experience. He’s been a solid Premier League player for years now and there’s a sense that he could improve further.
Importantly, Pep Lijnders is also a massive fan. He worked with Neves at FC Porto and rates him incredibly highly – the Dutchman raves about the player in his recent book.
I know him very well, his ambition, his passion for the game, his professionalism. I know what he gives to the team and this type of player always interests us,” Lijnders said of Neves to O Jogo.
But Wolves also see that quality in Neves and we can’t imagine they’d let him go cheap. Even with a reduced fee, this would be an expensive transfer as the competition is there to drive his price up.
“What I know is we have a special player here with us,” said Lage, per the Athletic. “What he is doing this season is very good.
I think also the way we play, he can show a better Rúben, and also the way he plays puts our team on a different level.”
Not the words of a manager willing to let his player leave easily, then. Liverpool may want Neves but there’s an uphill battle here to say the least.
