FC Barcelona’s Attempts to Sign Fabian Ruiz
Napoli takes on FC Barcelona in the first knockout stage of the Europa League. Fabian Ruiz is set to start for Napoli. The talented midfielder was a transfer target for Barcelona during a few transfer windows. Interest in a transfer remains from the Camp Nou side.
Mundo deportivo revealed that Barcelona tried three times in the past to sign the Spanish international.
Fabian Ruiz is a reliable midfielder in Serie A. The Spaniard, who left his boyhood club Real Betis in 2018 to join Napoli, has been a strong performer with the Partenopei.
Luciano Spaletti’s team has been leading the charge for the title this season. The 25-year-old has been an integral part of that team. His contract is due to expire in 18 months. Clubs will be looking to swoop him out of the Serie A outfit this summer.
According to the report, Ruiz was approached by the Catalan giants in 2019, one year after he had joined Napoli.
Ernesto Valverde, the manager at the time, had approved a move. However, the Partenopei president Aurelio de Laurentiis demanded 80 million Euro for the midfielder. This put an end to any hope of signing him.
The Blaugrana tried to bring the Spaniard back to La Liga in 2020. However, they ran into the same brick wall. De Laurentiis’ financial demands exceeded the team’s budget.
The publication claims that Ruiz was again wanted by Barca in 2021. Ronald Koeman was the team’s manager. Although the ex-Real Betis man wasn’t a priority target for Barca, they still tried to secure his services.
He could be available at a lower price now that he has entered the last year of his contract. It will be interesting to see if Napoli will be abe to hang on to one of their star players.