Barcelona and Nolito's January agreement remains in place

Barcelona and Nolito's January agreement remains in place

Even though Barcelona’s interest in Nolito stems back to the summer of 2014, when Luis Enrique first took charge, it wasn’t until January 2016 that the two parties touched bases on an agreement, which remains in force.

Barça tried many ways to satisfy Celta Vigo’s demands and to reach an agreement for the player, but they were unable to. The Galician club were firm and didn’t move from their position: the 18 million euro release clause must be played by anyone who wants to sign Nolito. 

What Barça did achieve, and it was no small matter, was that the player did not renew his contract with his current club. It would have made signing him difficult, as his clause would have increased. But the Spain forward felt it would have put the brakes on the possibility of continuing his career at one of Europe’s biggest clubs and, even though he’s always been grateful to Celta, he didn’t want to shut the door on that chance. Therefore, his price remains 18 million euros. 

AGREEMENT SINCE JANUARY

Away from that, there are no other major complications because the agreement between Nolito and Barcelona was sealed in January and would be respected by both parties. However, Barça feel that before signing a forward, they must sort out other details. The priority is to sign a centre-back, where they’ve been weakened by Marc Bartra’s move to Borussia Dortmund. A new forward is an area in which, as explained by sporting director Robert Fernandez, the club aren’t in a rush.

They could end up getting stung, though, because if Nolito is the chosen target by the club - not just by Luis Enrique - time may not be in the Blaugrana’s favour. The player is at the European Championships with Spain, where he will be watched by various clubs who are already keen on him, all of whom could potentially offer him better terms than he’s agreed with Barça.