What’s the story?
Barcelona have held positive talks with Manchester City winger Nolito. The Spaniard, after a positive start to life in Manchester, has fallen off the pace, and is second choice to the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane and is looking to move back to Spain according to the Daily Mail.
In case you didn’t know..
Nolito, a former Barcelona youth graduate, was rumoured to be moving back to the Camp Nou before Manchester City swooped in with a £14m deal for the Celta Vigo man. The 30-year-old has not played a single minute in the Premier League since being taken off against Hull City on Boxing Day.
The heart of the matter
Nolito was an integral part of the Spain squad which reached the last 16 of the European Championship 16, and when he signed for Manchester City, it looked like he would be an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s team.
He was, for the first 2 months, but now has been relegated to playing in the FA Cup. Given that he is 30, and next year’s World Cup might be the last time he represents his country. He needs to move if he wants to play for the national team.
What’s Next?
The Barcelona move makes sense for Nolito, he will be second choice to Neymar and playing for Barcelona helps a lot if you want to play for Spain. He knows the philosophy of the club and won’t take a long time to settle in given he is well versed in the philosophy.
Alternatively, he can move back to midfield, as a short term replacement for Andres Iniesta.
Author’s Take
Nolito has curiously been sidelined despite starting well at Manchester City. It is clear that Pep is looking to build his empire in England on solid foundations as opposed to 30-year-olds. When the likes of Jesus Navas plays more than you, you have got to take the hint and move on.
Having scored more than 39 goals in 100 appearances for Celta Vigo, he has more than proved himself in the La Liga.
