Having been impressed with his performances since joining the club in January, Barcelona are open to offering youngster Riqui Puig to Wolverhampton in a deal to sign Adama Traore permanently. The Spanish giants are also keeping an eye on Raphinha.
“Adama has Barca DNA, he’s one of the best forwards in the world, he’s fast. We’d love Adama Traore to stay here, it’s possible — but we’re in a difficult financial situation. We’ll see at the end of the season,”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta relayed to the media recently.
He hasn’t scored yet, but four assists in six starts across two competitions – combined with his excitement-inducing runs down the flanks – have turned Traore into an instant fan favorite at his new club.
It is of no surprise, then, that the Blaugrana are looking for solutions to make his loan stay permanent come the end of the season. As per 90MIN, the club is open to sending La Masia graduate Riqui Puig the other way, if it sweetens the deal to bring Traore to the club. At present, the winger is valued at 30 million euros by Wolverhampton – a price tag Barcelona will attempt to bring down despite being impressed with his performances.
Meanwhile, the club is also keeping a watchful eye over Leeds United’s standout star, Raphinha. The 25-year-old joined Leeds before the start of the previous season and has since turned into their talisman – scoring 15 goals across 58 appearances. The Brazilian’s stellar performances in the Premier League led to his first senior call-up to the national team, and he has made seven appearances for the Selecao since, scoring thrice.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona have opened a dialogue with Raphinha’s agent – and their former player – Deco, who is also the club’s scout for South America. However, they are likely to face a challenge from Premier League sides, including Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom have been credited with an interest in Leeds’ talisman in recent weeks. Romano concludes by reporting that formal talks are yet to be opened with Leeds, as the player’s price is likely to vary given their status at the end of the season – and potential release clauses.
