Barcelona were interested in €40 million-rated Portuguese midfielder last summer, claims agent

Following the departure of Sergio Busquets at the end of the 2023/24 season, FC Barcelona were forced into the transfer market for a new pivot midfielder.

The Blaugrana searched for a top replacement for their former captain, but financial restrictions meant that they eventually ended up bringing in Oriol Romeu from Girona in a deal worth under €4 million.

Among the names considered were Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and Marcelo Brozovic, who ended up leaving Inter Milan for Saudi Arabia.

Florentino Luis was also on Barcelona’s agenda

Now, it has emerged that Barcelona were also interested in signing SL Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis last summer and even held talks about a potential move.

This has been confirmed by the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder’s agent, Bruno Carvalho Santos, who stated that the Catalans were indeed keen on signing his client.

As quoted by A Bola, Bruno Carvalho said: “I can’t hide the fact that they were one of the clubs that were looking for Florentino in the summer, he was talked about a lot, as were other Premier League teams.

“But Benfica decided to keep him for more seasons and considered him non-transferable.”

Florentino Luis on Barcelona’s radars. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Carvalho added that given Barcelona’s financial situation, they would not be in a position to offer the €40 million fee for Florentino Luis, saying:

“Given the club’s financial fair play, I think it would be difficult for Barcelona to make a bid of €40 million.”

Barcelona still interested

While a move for Florentino Luis might not have materialised last summer, Barcelona still remain keen on the Portuguese midfield enforcer.

The Blaugrana’s sporting director, Deco, is understood to be an admirer of the midfielder, who has a release clause worth €120 million but could be available for €40 million.

It remains to be seen if Barcelona are willing to push ahead…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-were-interested-in-e40-million-rated-portuguese-midfielder-last-summer-claims-agent/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2023-11-16 08:44:44

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