Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Carlos Soler from Valencia, although the midfielder’s club have denied those claims.
According to Diario AS, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Valencia to secure the signing of midfielder Carlos Soler in a deal worth €20 million in the summer transfer window. However, Los Che have quickly issued a statement refuting those claims.
Soler is a product of the Valencia youth academy and has been a mainstay in the first-team setup for half a decade now. The 25-year-old midfielder is one of the most consistent and reliable midfielders in La Liga and has made over 210 appearances for Los Che so far in his career, scoring 35 goals and setting up 31 more.
Capped six times by the Spanish national team, Soler has been particularly impressive in the past couple of years. His rise in stature at the Mestalla has not gone unnoticed, with clubs from across the continent taking an interest in him. With his contract expiring in 2023, rumours about a summer exit have been doing the rounds.
Barcelona are one of Soler’s suitors and have been eyeing a move for the Spanish international for some time. The Catalans have a well-stocked midfield department that will be bolstered further by the imminent addition of Franck Kessie in the summer. However, question marks hang over the futures of a couple of midfielders at Xavi Hernandez’s disposal.
Riqui Puig seems certain to move on, having struggled for game-time at Barcelona. But the bigger concern for the Catalans is the future of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman again finds himself heavily linked with an exit, with Manchester United among his suitors heading into the summer.
While Barcelona have publicly maintained that the 24-year-old is a key part of the plans, internally, the club are understood to be open to a sale should Manchester United or any other club shell out a sum of €70 million. If the Netherlands international departs, it would leave a gaping hole in midfield, which Barcelona hope to fill with Soler.
Barcelona initially had plans to sign Soler in 2023 and had informed the midfielder to not negotiate a new contract with Valencia. However, the timeframe has moved up due to de Jong’s situation, with the Blaugrana now seeking to sign the Spaniard this year only. The report claims that they already have agreed personal terms with Soler.
It also mentions that Barcelona have struck an agreement with Valencia for a transfer fee of €20 million. However, Los Che have released a statement denying these reports.
Don’t lie!
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) May 2, 2022
“Given the information published this Monday in Diario AS, Valencia CF flatly denies that it has an agreement or that there is any negotiation with FC Barcelona for the transfer of Carlos Soler. The Club is currently in open negotiations with the footballer and his agents to extend his contractual relationship with Valencia CF,” their statement reads.
If true, Barcelona would be signing an able replacement for de Jong while making a handsome business if they sell the Dutchman for €70 million and land Soler for €20 million. The Valencia ace is a proven performer and a leader. He has played with some of the Barça stars for Spain and has the potential to be a good fit at Camp Nou if signed.
