Reports | Napoli star Fabian Ruiz targeted by Barcelona
La Liga giants Barcelona are plotting to make a move for Napoli's latest star Fabian Ruiz. Despite turning down the chance to sign the player multiple times, when he was at Real Betis, the league champions have finally made up their mind and decided to bring the midfielder back to Spain.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Barcelona are reviving their interest in Fabian Ruiz, ahead of next year’s summer transfer window. Napoli bought the Spanish International from Real Betis for €30m, and his growing influence into the Napoli team is being noticed by numerous top European clubs. During the 2016/17 season, the Blaugrana were interested in Ruiz when he was playing for Elche on loan, and wanted to sign him on a loan deal for Barcelona’s B team.
At the time, the Betis officials were not keen on a loan deal, and preferred a permanent deal of €6m, which the Catalan giants did not want to pay and the move failed. A few months later, Ruiz’s outstanding performance against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu was once again overlooked by bigger clubs. At that time, his release clause stood at €15m. Sensing the massive potential, Betis increased his release clause to €30m and Napoli brought him in last season.Â
During his time at Naples, Ruiz has appeared 42 times while also scoring 7 goals and registering 3 assists. Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has made it clear that the 23-year-old midfielder will have a price tag of €60m, while the player himself is rumoured to be very close to signing a new contract at the Stadio San Paolo.Â