Barcelona and Valencia reach agreement for Carlos Soler

AS understands that Barcelona have reached an agreement with Valencia to sign midfielder Carlos Soler for €20 million. Barça also have a deal in place with the Spain international, whose contract at Mestalla expires in 2023. The key to getting the deal over the line will be the departure of Frenkie de Jong. The club have have decided in recent weeks to sell De Jong for an ideal fee of around €70 million. Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich are interested in the Dutch player, although other Premier League teams have also considered the option.

Soler’s international experience

Barça manager Xavi has given the go-ahead for the deal to happen. Director of football at Barcelona, Mateu Alemany, values Soler but if Valencia want to make money from the sale, they will have to sell this summer, as his contract is up next summer. Barça believe the deal would be a great one. They would be signing a player with a good relationship with other members of the squad. He knows Pedri and Eric García from the Spain setup. If they can sell De Jong they would make a profit of between €40 and €50 million from the transfers.

Xavi’s midfield

For Xavi, Busquets and Pedri are untouchable in midfield. He would then also be able to call upon Gavi, Soler, Kessié and Nico. The Soler operation is already underway and much more advanced than many would think at this stage. For the player, who is in agreement with Barça on the conditions of his contract, the most important thing is to leave Valencia on good terms. He has played there all his life and his family lives there. The club has stagnated in recent years and he wants to grow, play in the Champions League and fight for titles. Soler is still waiting but Valencia and Barça are in advanced talks. It could all come down to Frenkie de Jong.