According to a report by AS, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are set to battle for the Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz this summer. Both the Spanish giants are looking to bolster their midfield by signing the talented youngster.
Fabian started his football career from the youth ranks of Real Betis. He had appeared 59 times while scoring 3 goals and 7 assists in all competitions for Betis. However, the Spaniard was sent on a half-season loan to Elche in 2017 where he also showed his ability. Returning from the loan he stayed for one year at Betis and then was transferred to Napoli in 2018.
Since his joining he had been the mainstay at the midfield for the Italian side. Till now, the 24-year-old has amassed 128 appearances for Napoli, while chipping in with 15 goals and 10 assists in those outings.
In his last season for Napoli, he went to appear 42 times, while scoring 4 goals and 1 assist in all competitions. Fabian’s performance also helped the Italian side to finish fifth, which confirmed their place in the Europa League next season.
Following his development through his past years, he has been able to attract some big clubs of Europe. Currently, it is believed that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are leading the race for the midfielder. However, Real Madrid and Paris-Saint Germain are also in the line for Fabian.
The Spaniard still has his contract for two more years with the Italian side. But, Fabian has expressed his views about leaving Napoli this summer. Napoli has also agreed with the player and valued him at a price of €60 million for transfer.
Barcelona and Atletico to go head-to-head for Fabian Ruiz
Barcelona after going through a rough season wants to make some changes in their team. And currently, they are looking to add one young holding midfielder to their line-up. The Catalans already have some young midfielders such as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Ruig Puig. But they are looking to find a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
The Spaniard is a Barca legend and has made the holding midfield position his own for almost a decade. But Busquet’s aging has made him slow in the pitch, which now concerns Barcelona. But the Catalans are already in the market to find a young replacement for him. At first, Barcelona targeted Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, but now it seems they have eyed Fabian in the transfer market.
While Atletico Madrid is also participating in the race for signing Fabian Ruiz. Atletico had a great season this year despite falling out of the Champions League. However, they have been crowned the Champions of Spain for the 11th team. Diego Simeone’s side lifted the La Liga title after 7 long years in their last matchday.
The credit of winning the league has been giving to the midfield by Simeone. However, he needs to look into his midfield as Saul Niguez is set to leave the club this summer. Currently, Atletico has identified Fabian as his replacement, but it is still not decided if they want to sign the Spaniard.
If any of these two teams want to sign Fabian Ruiz, then they might hurry as another two giants Real Madrid and PSG are also in line. However, the player himself has not commented much on his transfer, as he is currently focusing on Euro 2020. But he has stated his desire about returning to Spain next season. So, let’s wait and see where the youngster will land himself next year, Spain or Paris.
