Barcelona get boost to sign Nolito

FC Barcelona have gotten a huge boost in their race to sign Celta Vigo forward Nolito this summer after the president of the Galician club confirms that he is convinced their precious asset will be leaving this year.

In an interview with Mexican portal Jalisco, Celta Vigo president Carlos Mouriño made it known that there is a huge possibility that Nolito will leave the club this summer, but also stressed that they will not listen to any offer below his €18 million buyout clause.

“I think Nolito will leave Celta Vigo this year,” Mouriño told Jalisco portal, “we will lose a great individual but we will continue to thrive as a team.”

FC Barcelona have named Nolito as one of their prime targets to complement Messi, Suarez and Neymar in attack. They were close to getting the player in January but were not willing to pay the €18 million fee required by Celta Vigo to let go. Celta Vigo president however, made it clear that they will not let the player go for anything less than 18 million.

“Nolito has a contract here with a buyout clause of 18 million, whoever lays it down will have him. There is no negotiation. We, as Celta, will not sell for less than 18 million, if any club pays it, then we effectively have to let go,” he said.

Gerard Pique said that Barça signing Nolito for €18 million would be a bargain as he is a superb player and Mourino supports the fact, saying the price is kind off cheap for the player.

“Signing Nolito for 18 million would be a very good deal. He is a great player and he has a contract for three years.”

Mourino also confirmed the fact that FC Barcelona wanted him in January and stated that it was real but both clubs didn’t reach an agreement at the end of negotiations.

Nolito spent three years at FC Barcelona B where he featured in 106 league games for them from 2008-2011 but made just two appearances for the Barça first team before leaving in 2011. He played in 29 league games for Celta Vigo in 2015/2016 scoring 12 goals.

Manchester City are also reportedly interested in signing the 29-year old as new coach Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the player. Barça’s reluctance to pay 18 million might just mean the star will move to England but personally, he prefers to join Barcelona.

Nolito is currently representing Spain in the ongoing Euro 2016 tournament.