Barcelona have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Nuno Mendes, who is valued at around €40 million by Sporting Lisbon.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been offered the chance to secure the services of Nuno Mendes in the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old Portuguese whizkid is valued at around €40 million by Sporting CP.
Nuno Mendes joined Sporting CP in 2012 aged just ten and subsequently progressed through the ranks rapidly before breaking into their first-team setup last year. The 2020/21 season proved to be the breakthrough campaign for the teenage prodigy, who made 35 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with a goal and two assists.
In addition, Mendes has also established a foothold in the Portuguese national side, making his debut earlier this year before amassing four further appearances. The 19-year-old’s progress has duly been noted as well, with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all being linked with him. And now, the left-back has been offered to Barcelona.
Barcelona do hold an interest in the Portuguese whizkid, having scouted him over the course of the 2020/21 season. However, the Blaugrana seem to be prioritising a summer move Valencia captain Jose Gaya instead to bolster the left side of their defence.
Signing a left-back is imperative for the Catalan giants, with Junior Firpo failing to make any sort of impression since arriving at Camp Nou from Real Betis two years ago. With Jordi Alba approaching the final phase of his career, Barcelona need to bring in a top-class left-back who can serve them for years.
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The aforementioned Gaya is also keen on joining Barcelona, which does put them in a promising position as far as signing a left-back is concerned. As for Mendes and a possible summer swoop for the Portuguese international, a move appears unlikely owing to his €40 million price tag.
While Mendes can potentially set Barcelona up for a decade, if not more, the Blaugrana simply cannot afford his €40 million valuation currently, seeing as they are going through a financial turmoil. Therefore, it looks like Gaya could well be their best option this summer, although it remains to be seen if things change on the Mendes front.
