Barcelona have until 2025 to make a decision on €30 million-rated former midfielder

Barcelona are currently keeping a close eye on FC Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who has a buy-back clause in his contract with the Catalan club, reports SPORT. 

This situation has sparked discussions among coaches and key figures at the club, with many expressing regret that Nico has not been able to break into the first team at Barça. 

In recent years, Barcelona have implemented strategies to maintain a connection with players who showed potential but struggled to secure a spot in the first team. 

After a loan spell at Valencia, Nico joined Porto in the summer of 2023. Barcelona received €8.5 million from Porto while retaining 40% of any future transfer fee. 

The deal also included a €30 million buy-back option, allowing Barcelona the chance to reclaim him if his performance warranted such a decision.

Nico has been fantastic for Porto

So far this season, Nico has been a key player for Porto, starting in all nine of their official matches. He has taken on a more advanced role, playing closer to the striker, and has already contributed three goals and one assist. 

Barcelona are keeping tabs on Nico Gonzalez. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Such impressive statistics have not gone unnoticed by the Barcelona hierarchy. The club has until the summer transfer window of 2025 to exercise their buy-back option for €30 million, which currently seems steep given the club’s financial constraints.

Nevertheless, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, maintains a strong relationship with Porto and is well-informed about Nico’s progress. 

Given Porto’s challenging financial situation, a successful season for Nico could lead to a lucrative sale in the summer of 2024, potentially allowing Barcelona to profit from the deal. 

If Porto sells Nico for €30 million, the club would earn €12 million due to their retained percentage.

To gain further insight into Nico’s evolution, Andre Monteiro, a Portuguese journalist, suggested that Porto would likely consider offers for Nico next summer if they arise, especially due to their financial challenges.