XAVI EXPECTS TRAORE TO SHOW IMPORTANCE AT BARCA

One of the most unexpected transfer stories of recent times will definitely be the Adama Traore move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Barcelona. The Spanish La Liga giants secured the loan signing of the pacy winger in quite a shocking deal this January and not a lot of people saw it coming. Traore, a Spain international attacker, decided to return to the Camp Nou having graduated from the La Masia Academy before leaving for more playing time and finding himself in England.

There had been several speculations linking Traore with a move away from the Molineux since last summer and Tottenham Hotspur were one of the clubs particularly linked with making a move for him. Spurs were said to be keen on adding the fast winger to their ranks while the north London club were still under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, Traore’s former boss. However, the move never happened but Spurs returned for the player this January under Antonio Conte but nothing still happened.

Barcelona decided to hijack the deal as Tottenham were stalling and reluctant to meet Wolves’ transfer demands.

Barca agreed to the terms of taking the player on loan in a deal that would require the Catalan giants to pay a sum of €30 million if they want to make the transfer a permanent one. Following his signing, Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that he expects the Spain international star to show how much of an important addition he will be to the squad.

This move may mean that contract rebel Ousmane Dembele will finally be allowed to leave the club after failing to accept several offers made by Barca for him to renew his contract at the club. It may also spell limited game time for some players like Memphis Depay and Luke de Jong.