Barcelona defender and Colombia’s World Cup star Yerry Mina is reportedly wanted by newly promoted Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Premier League newbies Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a shock summer swoop for Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina, as per reports from the Sun.
The 23-year old has strongly been linked with a move away from the Catalans this summer, with Everton touted to be the most likely destination for him. However, Wolves have also thrown their hat in the ring now and are hoping that the club’s strong connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes could help facilitate a season-long loan move for the Colombian international.
Mina joined Barcelona only six months ago, signing from Brazilian club Palmeiras in a €11.5 million deal. The 23-year old managed to make just 6 appearances for his new club in the second half of the 2017-18 term, bagging an assist in the process.
His stock, however, has been on rapid rise following the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he made a huge impact for Colombia, in their run to the round of 16. Having missed the first group game, the 23-year old started the next three fixtures and found the back of the net once in each outing, in the process becoming the first ever defender to score in each of his first three games in football’s biggest tournament.
Despite his exploits in Russia, Barcelona are understood to be keen on offloading him this summer, as they are facing restrictions on the number of non-EU players they can use, with a maximum of three being permitted. It is understood to be one of the primary reasons why Brazilian midfielder Paulinho was sold this summer.
Add to that, the arrival of French defender Clement Lenglet earlier this month from Sevilla has increased competition for places in the heart of the defence. Mina though, has maintained throughout the summer that he remains keen on staying put at the Camp Nou and fighting for a spot in Ernesto Valverde’s squad.
Everton are in need of defensive reinforcements following the departure of Argentine international Ramiro Funes Mori and veteran defender Ashley Williams’ facing an uncertain future. It is understood that the Toffees are prepared to pay in excess of £20 million for Mina, who reportedly has a €100 million release clause in his contract with Barca, but could move for much less.
Wolves, on the other hand, are looking at a loan deal for the 23-year old and are hoping that the lure of regular first-team action could lead to Mina choosing a move to Molineux over the Goodison Park. They have already brought in a defender this summer, with Willy Boly’s loan deal converted into a permanent one, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains keen on strengthening his backline further.
Despite Mina’s wishes to continue at Barcelona, it seems that a summer exit from Camp Nou is inevitable for him. Only thing that remains to be seen now is where he will be plying his trade next season.
