Barcelona pivot midfield target edging closer to signing for Turkish giants – report

Barcelona are awaiting the decision of Nico Williams, which is expected in the coming hours.

After all, the Spanish winger is the club’s top target this summer and the administration has placed all other operations on hold in anticipation of his decision.

One such position which was said to be in dire need of reinforcements earlier this summer was the defensive midfield position.

Mikel Merino was said to be the team’s latest frontrunner to reinforce the position. Financial constraints, however, brought Zenit St Petersburg’s Wendel as a possible alternative.

Changes in the picture

While Barcelona indeed had the Brazilian pivot on their radar, SPORT reveals a massive update on Wendel’s future.

The outlet reveals that Galatasaray have emerged as serious candidates to sign the defensive midfielder this summer, and the player is open to a move considering that it involves UEFA Champions League football.

Wendel (R) could join Galatasaray. (Photo by OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)

The Turkish giants, in fact, are said to have proposed a five-year contract with an annual base salary of €4 million.

While Galatasaray also have their financial hiccups, a move is not ruled out for a speculated fee of €16 million.

One of the best in Russia

The 26-year-old midfielder rose rapidly up the ranks of Fluminense in Brazil before moving to Europe in 2018 when he signed for Sporting CP.

Over one year later, Wendel was presented as a new player of Zenit St Petersburg and has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent players ever since.

Last season, he made 27 appearances for his club in the Russian Premier League, scoring four goals and providing eight assists in the process. Further, he averaged 1.6 key passes per game and created ten big chances.