From Spain: Barcelona didn’t want to fight Man City for Brazilian

Barcelona are set to announce the signing of Matheus Fernandes. The midfielder is moving from Brazilian side Palmeiras, and should be immediately loaned out to Real Valladolid.

It’s Catalan outlet Sport who analyses the move today, and they also have something to say about the club’s interest in Brazilian fullback Yan Couto.

The player is about to move to Manchester City, and the report gives the reason why Barcelona haven’t worked harder in his signing.

Sport says Yan’s move to the Camp Nou was almost done, with the amounts ‘very clear’. But things changed once Pep Guardiola’s side entered the auction.

Barcelona didn’t want to ‘take any risks’, as they don’t plan to gamble as much as Real Madrid. The Galacticos have recently spent nearly €150m to sign the likes of Vinícius Junior, Rodrygo and Reinier, all from Brazil.

“We will not spend what Madrid is spending in Brazil,” a source told Sport. Earlier today, Mundo Deportivo said Barça would pay €4m for Yan Couto, but City showed up offering €12m.